Political parties on notice: ECI moves against AI-generated fake videos

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday issued a stern advisory directing political parties to remove AI-generated misinformation within three hours of detection or public reporting. This comes just ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections , scheduled for November 6 and 11 , and reflects growing concerns over the misuse of Artificial Intelligence in political campaigns.

Invoking its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution , the ECI said AI-manipulated images, videos, and audio were “contaminating the level-playing field” by spreading fabricated electoral messages. Article 324(1) empowers the Commission to supervise, direct, and control elections, ensuring free and fair polls and preventing practices that distort the democratic process.

The advisory cautioned that synthetic content can masquerade as truth , posing a serious threat to voter trust. While the Commission had issued similar guidelines in May 2024 and January 2025 , the new directive emphasizes swift action, accountability, and detailed record-keeping . Parties must now actively monitor all digital campaign material and respond immediately to any reports of misleading or manipulated content.

To highlight the risks, the ECI cited recent examples:

• Congress (Bihar unit): Shared a manipulated video showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother Heeraben Modi , falsely implying controversial statements. The video was flagged as misleading and offensive.

• AI-generated Bollywood clips: Fake videos circulated showing Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh criticizing PM Modi and endorsing the Congress. Both actors publicly denied making such statements.

• Congress in Telangana: Posted doctored videos depicting Union Home Minister Amit Shah announcing changes to reservation policies. FIRs were filed, and police investigations followed.

• BJP controversy: A misleading BJP video falsely attributed statements to opposition leaders , claiming they would halt ongoing development projects and welfare programs if elected. Complaints prompted the ECI to order its immediate removal and start an investigation. The BJP later admitted the video was circulated without proper verification and promised stricter internal controls.

The ECI made it clear that all AI-generated or digitally altered content must carry a visible label such as “AI-generated” , “digitally enhanced” , or “synthetic content” , covering at least 10% of the visual area or duration for audio. Video labels must appear on the top of the screen , and the creator’s identity must be disclosed in captions or metadata. Misrepresentation of any person’s identity, voice, or appearance without consent is unlawful .

Failure to comply will invite strict action , including immediate removal of content, legal proceedings under the Representation of the People Act , fines, and penalties. Repeat offenders could even face suspension of election campaign privileges , signaling the ECI’s zero-tolerance approach toward AI-enabled misinformation.

With Bihar elections approaching, the ECI’s move underscores its commitment to keeping campaigns transparent, fair, and accountable , ensuring voters are not misled by manipulated digital content.