The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday advised parties against the misuse of AI-based tools to create deepfakes that distort information or propagate misinformation on social media platforms ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar.
With the announcement of the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar and the by-elections to eight Assembly Constituencies in October 6, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force.
In its press note, the poll body noted that these provisions also apply to content posted on the internet, including social media, by candidates and political parties.
"As per the provisions of the MCC, criticism of other parties, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programmes, record, and work. Parties and candidates shall refrain from criticising all aspects of private life not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties. Criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided," the ECI statement read.
"The Commission advised parties against the misuse of AI-based tools to create deepfakes that distort information or propagate misinformation over social media platforms, emphasising the need to uphold the integrity of the electoral process," the statement said.
Also Read : ECI orders strict MCC enforcement ahead of Bihar Assembly polls
On taking necessary measures and putting out AI disclaimers, the ECI stated, "Further, all political parties and their leaders, candidates, and star campaigners shall take necessary measures for prominent labelling of AI-generated/synthetic content, if any, being shared for campaigning through their social media platforms or in the form of advertisements using clear notations such as 'AI-Generated', 'Digitally Enhanced', or 'Synthetic Content'."
The ECI further noted that it is maintaining a strict watch on social media platforms to ensure that the election atmosphere remains unvitiated. "Strict watch on social media posts is being kept to ensure that the election atmosphere is not vitiated. The Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of MCC guidelines. Any violation of these guidelines will be dealt with strictly," the EC added.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections. The 243 Assembly seats will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on November 14.
The total number of electors in the final list stands at 7.42 crore, while there were 7.89 crore electors as of 24 June this year. An Election Commission press release stated that 65 lakh voters were removed from the draft list, and the number of electors in the draft list as of August 1, 2025, stood at 7.24 crore.
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