Digital
Election Commission to meet social media platforms on 11 March
Talks focus on tackling misinformation and deepfakes ahead of Assembly polls in multiple states.
MUMBAI: India’s poll watchdog is calling time on deepfake drama because when elections meet AI trickery, even the ballot box needs a fact-check referee. The Election Commission of India will convene senior officials from major social media platforms on 11 March 2026 at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, to discuss the growing challenges of misinformation and deepfakes during elections.
The agenda centres on the “opportunities and challenges” of social media use in the electoral process, with the Commission aiming to develop a framework for its “optimal and responsible” application in line with existing laws. Discussions will cover improved content monitoring, faster responses to election-related complaints, and closer coordination with authorities during campaign periods.
The meeting comes ahead of Assembly elections in several states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The rising influence of social media in politics has heightened concerns over manipulated content, including deepfakes, which have been linked to incidents of violence and misinformation in past polls.
In recent elections, political parties and candidates have increasingly used AI tools to create synthetic videos, audio clips and fabricated statements impersonating opponents or falsely showing endorsements. The Election Commission had issued advisories before the 2024 general elections, directing parties to avoid circulating deepfakes and remove misleading material within three hours of detection, citing provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The consultations follow earlier engagements with tech companies and reflect broader policy debates on regulating AI-generated content. Amendments to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 shortened the removal timeline for unlawful content from 36 hours to three hours, a change that has drawn criticism from industry players for leaving limited room for careful legal and factual review.
Executives from global platforms, including Meta, have argued that while they are committed to addressing harmful content, the tight deadline complicates compliance.
As deepfakes blur the line between real and reel, the Election Commission isn’t just monitoring posts, it’s trying to keep the vote real in an age where reality itself can be edited.
Digital
AI drives 92 per cent surge to 15M views across India’s open web
Taboola data shows rising AI curiosity reshaping digital consumption trends
MUMBAI: Artificial intelligence is fast becoming the internet’s favourite topic in India, with fresh data showing a sharp spike in audience interest across the open web.
Insights from Taboola’s Taboola Newsroom reveal that AI-related content generated more than 15 million pageviews over the past 90 days, marking a striking 92 per cent jump compared to the previous 45-day period. The surge signals a clear shift, with AI moving from niche tech chatter to mainstream digital curiosity.
The broader technology category is also seeing momentum, clocking around 1.7 million pageviews and a 27 per cent rise in engagement. However, much of that growth appears to be riding on the AI wave, as developments in artificial intelligence increasingly dominate tech narratives.
Within the AI ecosystem, newer players are quickly capturing attention. Content linked to Anthropic alone drew roughly 2.5 million pageviews, registering a dramatic 2,096 per cent surge. The spike reflects growing interest in alternative AI models and emerging competitors in the space.
Meanwhile, familiar names continue to hold steady ground. Coverage around ChatGPT generated about 1.2 million pageviews, underlining sustained curiosity as users explore practical applications, updates, and everyday use cases for generative AI tools.
Big Tech is firmly in the spotlight too. Content related to Meta attracted approximately 2.2 million pageviews, up 30 per cent, as audiences track its expanding role in AI infrastructure and innovation.
Taken together, the data points to a deeper shift in how audiences engage with AI. Interest is no longer tied only to big announcements but is evolving into a steady stream of exploration around tools, platforms, and real-world uses.
For publishers, this opens the door to richer storytelling through explainers and practical insights. For advertisers, it presents a chance to tap into a highly engaged, tech-savvy audience.
If the numbers are anything to go by, AI is not just part of the conversation anymore, it is leading it.
