New Delhi, April 19: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated that political parties, candidates, and their campaign representatives clearly label any AI-generated or digitally altered content used for campaigning. The content must be marked as "AI-Generated," "Digitally Enhanced," or "Synthetic Content," along with the disclosure of its originating entity to ensure transparency and maintain voter trust.

In its release, the ECI emphasized that posts violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), including those that could disturb law and order or spread false narratives, are being closely monitored in states like Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. State IT Nodal Officers, notified under the IT Act, are actively addressing these violations.

The Commission also reinforced the requirement for synthetic campaign material to be properly labeled and in compliance with the 48-hour silence period before polling. Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, it is prohibited to display any election-related content within polling areas during this period. Media platforms—television, radio, print, and social media—are expected to strictly follow these provisions.

Furthermore, the ECI highlighted that any MCC violations can be reported through the C-Vigil Module on ECINET, a platform accessible to citizens, political parties, and candidates.

The Model Code of Conduct has been in effect since the announcement of the election schedule on March 15. Polling in Assam, Puducherry, and Kerala took place on April 9. Elections in Tamil Nadu are set for April 23, and in West Bengal for April 23 and 29. The vote counting for all the affected regions will occur on May 4.