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EC warns parties over 'misuse' of AI tools in Bihar poll

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 2:56 GMT by rediff.com
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Election Commission Issues Stark Warning to Bihar Parties Over AI‑Generated Content Ahead of Assembly Polls

In a timely move that underscores the growing intersection of technology and democracy, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a sharp warning to all political parties contesting the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. The directive, released on 24 October 2025, cautions parties against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that could generate misleading content, including deep‑fake videos, fake news articles, and fabricated social media posts.

Why the Warning Matters

Bihar’s 2025 assembly elections are among the most contested in the country, featuring heavyweight players such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and a number of regional outfits. The stakes are high: a victory could alter the state’s developmental trajectory and set a precedent for AI governance in electoral processes across India.

The ECI’s concern is that AI-generated content can be disseminated at an unprecedented scale, reaching millions of voters within minutes. Deep‑fake videos, for instance, can portray candidates making statements they never actually made, while AI‑written articles can be tailored to exploit regional sentiments or amplify misinformation. Such content can undermine voter confidence, distort public debate, and even incite unrest.

The warning follows a series of incidents in the past election cycle where fabricated videos were shared widely on platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube. While the ECI had previously issued guidelines on misinformation, the surge in AI sophistication prompted a more robust approach.

Key Points of the ECI Directive

1. Prohibition on Distribution of AI‑Generated Content
   Parties are instructed not to create, distribute, or endorse any AI‑generated material that could be used to influence voters. This includes deep‑fake videos, synthetic audio clips, and AI‑generated articles that present false or misleading information about a candidate or issue.

2. Mandatory Verification Mechanisms
   Every political organization must adopt a verification protocol to ensure any content it shares is authentic. The ECI recommends collaboration with tech firms and AI watchdogs that specialize in detecting deep‑fakes and misinformation.

3. Reporting Obligations
   Parties must report any instances of AI‑generated misinformation they encounter to the ECI within 48 hours. The commission will maintain a centralized database of such incidents, which will be shared with relevant law enforcement agencies.

4. Legal Recourse and Penalties
   The directive states that violations will attract penalties under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and possibly under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Parties could face disqualification, monetary fines, or both, depending on the severity and impact of the AI‑generated content.

5. Public Education Campaigns
   The ECI urges parties to educate their supporters about the risks of AI misinformation. This includes training volunteers on how to identify deep‑fakes and encouraging responsible sharing practices.

The Technology Behind the Threat

AI tools like generative adversarial networks (GANs), natural language processing (NLP) models, and automated video editors can create content that appears remarkably authentic. For instance, a GAN can synthesize a video of a candidate delivering a speech that was never recorded. Likewise, GPT‑style language models can produce articles that mimic a candidate’s voice and policy positions.

Experts warn that the “morphing time” – the period between the creation of the AI content and its viral spread – is shrinking. Once a deep‑fake video is uploaded, it can be shared in multiple languages and across borders with little traceability.

Party Reactions and Industry Response

While the ECI’s directive was issued with a tone of caution, many parties have welcomed the move as a necessary safeguard. The JD(U) spokesperson emphasized the need for “ethical campaigning” and pledged to collaborate with the commission on verification efforts. The RJD also stressed that they would “implement stringent internal checks” to ensure no AI‑generated content circulates from their camp.

In a joint statement, a consortium of social media platforms, including a major video hosting site and a leading messaging app, pledged to enhance detection algorithms for deep‑fake content. The consortium highlighted that its “deep‑fake detection engine” can flag suspicious media in real time, providing a potential tool for parties and the ECI alike.

A Broader Legal Framework

The ECI’s warning is part of a larger legislative push. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology released a draft “AI in Elections” policy outlining best practices for using AI responsibly. This policy aligns with the ECI’s stance and sets out guidelines for AI developers, electoral bodies, and political parties.

Under the Information Technology Act, Section 69A, the government can direct internet service providers to block any content that could affect the integrity of elections. This legal backing gives the ECI the authority to enforce the AI‑content restrictions effectively.

Looking Ahead

With the Bihar assembly elections slated for early November, the stakes for the next few weeks are immense. The ECI’s directive signals a new era where AI governance becomes integral to electoral integrity. Parties must now navigate a complex landscape of technological tools, legal responsibilities, and public expectations.

For voters, the directive offers a measure of assurance that parties are taking steps to protect the sanctity of the ballot. However, the onus remains on both the electorate and the digital ecosystem to stay vigilant against AI‑generated deception.

In the end, the ECI’s warning could serve as a precedent for other states and the national election cycle, shaping the future of Indian democracy in an age where technology can both empower and undermine.