Election Commission steps up strict monitoring of AI-based campaigning

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Election Commissioner has announced strict oversight of AI -driven campaigning ahead of the local body polls. Commissioner A Shajahan said that creating or circulating fake images, fabricated audio clips or misleading information during the campaign period will invite action.

He said candidates, political parties and campaign teams must ensure credibility in campaigning and maintain fairness in the electoral process. The misuse of technology is more likely during elections, and deepfakes or synthetic content can distort public opinion and compromise the integrity of the poll. The Commission has issued detailed guidelines to address these risks.

Deepfake videos and audio, misinformation, content insulting women, the use of children in campaigns and material promoting cruelty to animals are fully banned. All AI- generated content must be clearly labelled: on-screen for videos, covering at least 10 percent of display area for images, and announced in the first 10 percent of duration for audio. Creators’ names or institutional details must be disclosed in metadata and descriptions.

Using anyone’s likeness, voice or identity in misleading ways without consent is strictly prohibited. If such content appears on the official social media pages of political parties, it must be removed within three hours of detection or reporting. Those responsible must be issued warnings, and fake accounts or unlawful posts must be reported to the respective platforms. Parties must also maintain internal records of all AI-generated campaign material, including dates of creation and creator details, as directed by the Commission.