Should Bihar Parties Reveal if Campaign Content is AI-Generated?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As Bihar gears up for the Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has issued crucial guidelines for political parties regarding AI-generated content. This mandate aims to prevent misinformation and ensure transparency. Will these measures level the playing field in the upcoming polls?
Key Takeaways
- ECI mandates labeling of AI-generated content in campaigns.
- Content must be responsibly used to ensure transparency.
- Political parties face penalties for non-compliance.
- Paid holidays declared for polling days.
- Election results will be announced on November 14.
New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) In an effort to ensure a fair playing field during the Bihar Assembly election campaign, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated that all candidates and political parties must prominently disclose whether their videos and images are AI-generated or synthetically altered.
The ECI has urged responsible use of such content, highlighting the importance of adherence to the IT Rules, 2021. This is vital for transparency and fairness in the electoral process, ensuring that all political entities comply with their responsibilities regarding content.
To combat the spread of deep fakes, the ECI has instructed that no material should be shared that unlawfully misrepresents a person's identity, appearance, or voice without their consent, especially in a way that may mislead voters.
“Any AI-generated or synthetically altered media used for campaigning must feature a clear, visible label like ‘AI-Generated,’ ‘Digitally Enhanced,’ or ‘Synthetic Content’ covering at least 10% of the visible area (or the first 10% of audio duration). For videos, this label should be displayed at the top of the screen,” stated the advisory from the ECI.
Additionally, the content must disclose the source responsible for its creation in the metadata or accompanying caption.
The ECI has warned political parties that any material that does not comply with this advisory must be removed promptly.
“Any instance of AI-altered or synthetic content found on official party channels must be taken down within three hours of detection or reporting,” the advisory noted.
Previously, the ECI declared a paid holiday for employees on the two polling days for the Bihar Assembly elections and warned employers against penalizing staff for their absence on November 6 and 11.
The results for the election to fill the 243-seat Assembly will be announced on November 14.
Point of View
I believe that the ECI's new guidelines are a necessary step towards maintaining integrity in the electoral process. By ensuring that all campaign content is clearly labeled, we can foster a more informed electorate and enhance trust in the democratic process. This approach aligns with our commitment to uphold transparency and accountability in politics.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ECI require from political parties regarding AI-generated content?
The ECI requires political parties to clearly label any AI-generated or synthetically altered content used in their campaigns to ensure transparency.
What happens if a party fails to comply with the ECI's guidelines?
Any non-compliance with the ECI's advisory will result in the need to remove the offending content promptly, within three hours of detection.
Why is the ECI focusing on AI-generated content?
The ECI aims to combat misinformation and deep fakes, ensuring that voters are not misled by artificially manipulated media.
