Ensuring ethical social media use in elections of 2024

The Election Commission has issued crucial directives to political parties regarding responsible social media usage during election campaigns. One significant directive mandates the prompt removal of fake content from party social media platforms within a strict three-hour window upon identification. Parties are also cautioned against impersonation, derogatory content, and the dissemination of deepfake videos.

Immediate action against misinformation

In cases involving deepfake content, parties must swiftly remove such posts and identify and reprimand the responsible individuals within their ranks. Recent incidents, including deepfake videos featuring prominent figures like Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, underscore the urgency of these directives. The commission has emphasized the importance of upholding electoral integrity and deterring the spread of misinformation, particularly through the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create deepfakes.

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Upholding integrity amidst challenges

Acknowledging violations of the model code of conduct and legal provisions by some parties on social media, the Election Commission aims to foster a level playing field among all stakeholders. Alongside the removal of deepfake content, parties are instructed to abstain from disseminating false information, derogatory content targeting women, and employing children in campaigns. Additionally, depictions of violence or harm to animals are discouraged.

Parties are mandated to report unlawful information and fake user accounts to the relevant platforms and escalate persistent issues to the Grievance Appellate Committee. By adhering to these directives, political parties can contribute to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring a fair and transparent democratic environment.

In essence, the Election Commission's directives serve as a vital framework for ethical and responsible social media usage during elections, reinforcing the principles of accountability, integrity, and fairness in democratic practices.

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