Election Commission Mandates Disclosure of AI-Generated Political Campaign Content

Safeguarding Elections from AI Manipulation

Election Commission Mandates Disclosure of AI-Generated Political Campaign Content: The Election Commission of India (EC) has announced new rules mandating that all political parties and candidates disclose any artificial intelligence (AI)-generated or synthetic media used in their campaign materials. This decision comes ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, addressing increasing concerns about digital misinformation and manipulation of voter perception.

The EC’s directive underscores that AI-generated deepfakes — hyper-realistic fabricated videos or audio — pose a “deep threat” to the fairness and credibility of elections. The move is designed to ensure that citizens are not misled by technologically altered or deceptive content that appears authentic.

Static GK fact: The Election Commission operates under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers it to conduct free and fair elections across India.

New Labeling Rules for Synthetic Media

According to the latest guidelines, any political campaign content that has been created or modified using AI tools must prominently display labels such as “AI-Generated,” “Digitally Enhanced,” or “Synthetic Content.”

These labels are required to cover at least 10% of the visible area for images or visuals, and must appear during the first 10% of audio or video duration. For videos, the EC instructed that the label be placed clearly on the top band of the screen.

Static GK Tip: India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 regulate the responsibilities of digital platforms and content publishers in controlling misinformation.

Record-Keeping and Monitoring Protocols

Political parties and candidates must maintain comprehensive records of all AI-generated materials used during campaigns. This includes creator information, timestamps, and metadata for EC verification. If misleading or harmful synthetic content is found on any official social media account, it must be removed within three hours of being reported or detected.

Failure to comply could invite action under the IT Rules 2021, which penalize the dissemination of manipulated or false media that misleads the public.

Reinforcing Transparency and Accountability

The EC has emphasized that the integration of AI technology in political communication must not come at the cost of truthfulness or public trust. The directive calls upon political entities to uphold digital responsibility, ensuring voters receive authentic and verifiable information.

The Commission’s move reflects a growing recognition of the ethical implications of AI in democratic systems. By enforcing transparency labels and record-keeping, the EC seeks to create a technology-safe electoral environment where innovation complements integrity.

Static GK fact: The first model code of conduct in India was introduced in the 1960 Kerala Assembly elections, laying the foundation for ethical campaigning.

Looking Ahead

With the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for November 6 and 11, 2025, and results to be declared on November 14, these new AI disclosure rules will serve as a precedent for future state and national polls. The EC’s latest advisory signifies India’s proactive stance in balancing technological advancement with electoral integrity.

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Election Commission Mandates Disclosure of AI-Generated Political Campaign Content: