EC Brings Social Media Under Election Code to Ensure Fair Polls

The Election Commission (EC) has included social media activities under the election code of conduct to ensure that the March 5 House of Representatives election is fair and transparent.

The Commission says the rules now ban anyone from running social media accounts or creating fake pages to influence the election or harm its credibility. Spreading false information, rumors, insults, or hate speech on social media—whether posted by humans or using AI—is also prohibited.

The rules restrict modifying, posting, reposting, commenting, live streaming, tagging, or mentioning any content if the intention is to influence voters, even with AI tools.

Any actions that damage the election’s credibility or harm the reputation of the Election Commission, its officials, or staff are strictly forbidden. Character attacks, personal defamation, and spreading harmful content through any medium are also banned.

The code also protects voter privacy and prevents any act that could affect the election’s fairness or neutrality. The Election Commission will start enforcing these rules from January 17.