Kerala Local Body Elections: Social Media Monitoring to Be Intensified

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Election Commission has directed officials to intensify monitoring of all social media activities linked to the upcoming local body election in Kerala. Campaign materials—including audio, video and AI-generated content—circulated through social media platforms will be closely examined. District Collectors have been instructed to ensure that these guidelines are strictly followed in every ward.

Political campaigning on WhatsApp groups will also fall under surveillance. The Commission has cautioned that strict action will be taken against individuals or groups circulating fake or defamatory content. Cyber police will strengthen monitoring efforts, and any false content flagged must be removed within three hours. Those who fail to comply will face legal action.

The first meeting of the committee formed to review media-related matters during the elections was held at the State Election Commission headquarters. The committee is expected to recommend mandatory disclosure for AI-generated content and legal action against campaign materials that fail to clearly state the use of artificial intelligence.