How EC plans to tackle misinformation generated from social media and AI
EC identifies misinformation, including AI-generated content, as a major challenge in the upcoming election period
The Election Commission plans to introduce an app to curb misinformation and rumours spread through social media and AI-generated content ahead of the upcoming national election.
The proposal was included in the minutes of a meeting on law and order preparations held on 20 October, which the Commission circulated to relevant ministries and agencies yesterday (9 November).
According to the minutes, participants identified the spread of false information, including content generated using artificial intelligence, as a major challenge in the election period.
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Discussions stressed the need to enhance technological capacity, ensure coordination, and take advance preparations to counter such activities.
Additional IGP Md Sibgat Ullah, chief of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), expressed concern that rumours could spread during the election through social media and AI-generated content.
He informed that many such contents had already been identified and that the RAB cyber unit was working on the matter.
At the meeting, Maj Gen Abdul Quayyum Molla, recently retired director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), stated that the agency was prepared to develop an app similar to one used during the Sharadiya Durga Puja to monitor and prevent the spread of rumours.
He noted that positive results had been achieved during the Puja by using that system.
Maj Gen Jahangir Alam, director general of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), described misinformation and rumours as key concerns.
He said intelligence collected from the field would be regularly shared with the Election Commission and relevant forces.
He stressed that the Commission must respond quickly by providing accurate information to prevent rumours from spreading.
He also highlighted the need for a media policy specifying who would respond during crises and who would coordinate at the field level.
Overall, the minutes noted the need to increase technical capacity, use digital tools appropriately, and take contingency measures, especially regarding social media monitoring.
The meeting also suggested that the Election Commission should regularly brief the media to disseminate accurate information and prevent the spread of misinformation.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and attended by the Election Commissioners, the EC Secretary, the Home Secretary, and senior officials of law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
