Remove Fake Contents in Three Hours: EC to Political Parties

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Guwahati
• May 06, 2024
• 48

The Election Commission (EC) on Monday directed political parties to remove fake content from their social media platforms within three hours of it coming to their notice.

"Parties are directed to immediately remove any such material within three hours of it being brought to their notice, with a warning to the responsible person in their party reporting the unlawful information," the commission said.

This is part of the directions issued by the Election Commission to political parties for responsible and ethical use of social media in election campaigning to ensure level playing field for all stakeholders after taking cognizance of certain violations by them.

Recently, deepfake videos of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and actors Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh posted on some social media handles were removed and criminal complaints were filed.

The Election Commission warned parties against misuse of artificial intelligence-based tools to create deepfakes that distort information or propagate misinformation and stressed the need to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

The Election Commission has said, "Taking cognizance of certain violations of the MCC and existing legal provisions by political parties/their representatives while using social media for election campaigning, the Commission has today decided to ensure level playing field among all stakeholders in the elections. Instructions have been issued to political parties for responsible and ethical use of social media in campaigning."