NGO sends ECI notice, asks it to frame guidelines for social media sites before 2019 Lok Sabha elections

An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it to frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The legal notice by Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) states that if the Election Commission fails to act the matter will be taken to court.

This development has come to light after CASC in its representation to the then Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat sought mandatory registration of WhatsApp groups formed by political parties or candidates with the Election Commission.

Election Commission had come up with its first instructions for social media on October 25, 2013.