Regulators
ECI flags 11,000 plus posts, cracks down on unlawful content ahead of 2026 state polls
AI content must be labelled, platforms told to act within three hours
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stepped up its crackdown on unlawful and misleading social media content during the ongoing elections, flagging and acting on over 11,000 posts and URLs since March 15, 2026.
In a fresh advisory, the poll body reiterated that all stakeholders must ensure responsible and ethical use of digital platforms in line with existing laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, IT Rules, 2021 and the Model Code of Conduct.
A key highlight is the directive to social media platforms to act on misleading or unlawful AI-generated content within three hours of it being reported. Political parties and candidates have also been instructed to clearly label any AI-generated or digitally altered campaign material, ensuring transparency around its origin.
The Commission said it is actively monitoring online content during elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and West Bengal. Posts that violate the Model Code of Conduct, spread false narratives or have the potential to disrupt law and order are being flagged and acted upon by designated state IT nodal officers.
The ECI also reiterated provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which bar the display of election-related content during the 48-hour silence period before polling concludes. The rule applies across television, radio, print and social media platforms.
Citizen participation has also played a significant role. Through the C-Vigil App, over 3.23 lakh complaints have been lodged between March 15 and April 19, with more than 96 per cent resolved within the stipulated 100-minute window.
With tighter timelines, sharper monitoring and increased public participation, the Commission is signalling a more proactive approach to safeguarding electoral integrity in an increasingly digital campaign landscape.
