ECI warns political parties against misuse of AI tools in election campaigns

The Election Commission has issued guidelines to political parties ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-poll, advising against the misuse of AI tools and ensuring that AI-generated content is properly labeled. Accessible voter slips will also be issued for PWDs

Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has advised political parties against the misuse of AI-based tools to create deep fakes that distort information or spread misinformation, stressing the need to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

On Monday, the District Election Officer (DEO), R V Karnan, issued guidelines to political parties regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-poll.

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“All political parties, along with their leaders, candidates, and star campaigners, must take necessary measures to prominently label AI-generated or synthetic content being shared for campaigning on their social media platforms. Clear notations such as ‘AI-Generated,’ ‘Digitally Enhanced,’ or ‘Synthetic Content’ should be used. Additionally, any such campaign materials, whether in the form of advertisements or promotional content, must carry appropriate disclaimers wherever synthetic content is used,” the ECI stated.

In a bid to ensure the active participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process, the Commission has directed the issuance of Accessible Voter Information (AVI) slips with Braille features to persons with visual impairments, in addition to the normal Voter Information Slips (VISs).

DEO Karnan also stated that all polling stations in the Jubilee Hills Constituency are located on the ground floor or at road entry level. Ramps have been installed for the convenience of differently-abled voters and senior citizens with wheelchairs.

Mobile phone deposit facilities will be provided outside the entrances of polling stations. Voters will be allowed to bring mobile phones within 100 metres of the polling stations, but only in switch-off mode, Karnan added.