In response to the increasing impact of artificial intelligence in electioneering, the Election Commission has issued an advisory for more transparency and accountability in the functioning of political parties. This move comes amidst concerns that AI has the potential to influence voter choice and spread misinformation.
The advisory requires that all pictures, videos, audio, or other created materials, or those substantially altered with the use of AI technologies, be labeled as such. Materials should be accompanied by words or phrases like “AI-Generated,” “Digitally Enhanced,” or “Synthetic Content” in informing the public of their source.
Apart from that, the new rule binds political parties to air disclaimers for all the advertisements or promotional contents containing synthetic features while airing election campaigns. It was undertaken in a way to ensure that people understand the kind of advertisement they go through during elections.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has spoken on more than one occasion about the risks posed by AI and deep fakes, especially in how they can increase misinformation and erode public confidence in the electoral system. During the Lok Sabha elections last year, for example, the Commission issued guidelines that called for responsible and ethical use of social media sites, a commitment continuous in nature to the integrity of elections.
