Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 18 (UNI) The State Election Commission of Kerala has issued stringent instructions directing all media organisations to strictly adhere to the prescribed code of conduct during the upcoming local body elections.
According to the Commission, no form of publicity capable of influencing voters or affecting the election outcome will be permitted within the 48-hour “silence period” before polling concludes.
Exit polls, whether favourable or critical to any political party or candidate, are completely banned during this period, and the prohibition extends to electronic media as well.
With the Model Code of Conduct coming into force, institutions must comply with the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act.
Television channels are required to follow Broadcasting Content Complaints Council guidelines, while print media must adhere to the norms of the Press Council of India.
Similarly, all election-related broadcasting must strictly follow the News Broadcasting Standards Authority guidelines.
In view of growing concerns over digital manipulation, the Commission has imposed a complete ban on the creation and dissemination of fake images, fabricated audio clips, deepfakes, and other misleading synthetic content.
Material that insults or demeans women, employs children for political propaganda, or promotes violence against animals is strictly prohibited.
Any digitally altered content used in election campaigning must clearly display labels such as “AI-generated,” “digitally enhanced,” or “synthetic content.”
These labels should occupy at least 10 per cent of the video screen, and in the case of audio, must be announced during the first 10 per cent of the duration. The creator’s name or the organisation responsible must also be disclosed in both metadata and description.
Manipulating or altering a person’s appearance, identity, or voice in a deceptive manner without consent is forbidden. Any such content detected must be removed within three hours, and the creator will receive an official warning.
The Commission has also directed political parties to maintain complete records of all AI-generated campaign materials.
