No Campaigning On Social Media In Last 48 Hours Before Polling Ends

New Delhi: Political campaigns on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp will not be allowed in the last 48 hours before polling ends.

The voluntary code of ethics prepared by social media players to act against paid advertisements was submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECU) on Wednesday. It spells out a set of rules binding on the social media players. This includes barring political campaigns on their platforms two days before the polling ends.

The social media platforms have also undertaken to establish a high-priority communication channel with the nodal officers designated by ECI.

“The platforms have committed to process any violations reported under Section 126 of the RP (Representation of the People) Act, 1951, within three hours as per the Sinha Committee’s recommendations,” EC said in a statement.

Section 126 of the act embodies “election silence”, which prohibits any form of campaigning in the last 48 hours leading up to end of voting.

Industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), under whose aegis the code has been finalised, will act as the liaison between the social media firms and the commission.

“The code of ethics also promises to facilitate transparency in paid political advertisements,” the statement said.

Under the voluntary code of ethics, social media companies will take action on content reported by the nodal officer, expeditiously, in accordance with the law.

They are also committed to taking action on paid advertisements and those violating the requirements of the MCMC’s certification under the notification by the EC, it said.

Under the code, social media firms have also committed to facilitating transparency in paid political advertisements, including utilising their pre-existing labels or disclosure technology for such advertisements.

The Code was developed as a follow up to Tuesday’s meeting with IAMAI and representatives of social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Google, ShareChat and TikTok etc.