Platforms urged to 'proactively' pursue some form of punitive action in case users violate the terms
The Election Commission on Tuesday met with officials of major social media platforms and asked them to come up with a similar Code for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora also asked the platforms to draft a document which will be of help in the long term.
The meeting between Election Commission of India representatives of various social media platforms and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) also had in attendance Election Commissioners Sushil Chandra and Ashok Lavasa.
Arora told those present that the Model Code of Conduct was "a unique and historic document" which came up after deliberations and a consensus between different political parties and ECI. He added that the document is followed by all political parties from the date of declaration of schedule till the polls are over. He said that social media platforms, which are "formidable force-multipliers" should come up with a similar Code for this elections.
Election Commissioner Lavasa asked the social media platforms to think about a clause on wherein users voluntarily agree to not misuse the platforms for election or any political purpose. He also spoke about the need for the evolution of behaviour of the social media platforms and urged them to show voluntary restraint. He said such behaviour is a hallmark of a civilised society and it works as effectively as any regulation.
In addition to that, EC Sushil Chandra asked the platforms to "proactively" pursue some form of punitive action in case users violate the terms. He said that a participative approach by these platforms will help social media play a role in helping stop the spread of fake information as well as curbing misinformation.
During the meeting, the group also discussed issues like the appointment of a dedicated grievance channel that will carry out actions by these sites and a process of pre-certification of political advertisements like the existing system for ads on other mediums. The meeting also focused on evolving a notification mechanism by social media platforms for acting upon the violations of Section 126 of RP Act, 1951 and preventing misuse of these platforms.
CHANGING THE RULES
Fake news
Prevalence of fake news and its phenomenal rise had made it difficult for voters to have accurately informed assessment
2-3% Minimum social media-induced expected swing. Decisive in Indian context where victory margin is thin in many constituencies
Negative impact
- Communal tensions
- Inciting violence
- National security
How it can help
- Increase voter awareness
- Voter participation
- Promote poll transparency
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