7 May 2024: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directives to political parties, mandating the removal of fake content from their social media platforms within three hours of notification. This move aims to promote responsible and ethical use of social media during election campaigning, ensuring fairness among all stakeholders.
The ECI’s decision comes in response to observed violations by political parties, including the dissemination of deepfake videos featuring prominent figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and actors Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh. Following criminal complaints, these videos were promptly taken down.
Expressing concerns over the misuse of AI-based tools to create deepfakes and spread misinformation, the ECI underscored the importance of preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
In a statement, the ECI highlighted the need for political parties to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct and existing legal provisions while utilizing social media for election campaigning. Parties have been instructed to swiftly remove any unlawful content within three hours of notification and to take appropriate action against individuals responsible for disseminating such material.
This directive underscores the ECI’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field in electoral processes and combating the spread of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms.
