Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjay Kaul of Kerala has issued a stern warning against the dissemination of fake news through social media platforms in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections. ChannelAM delves into the details of Mr. Kaul’s warning and the measures being taken to combat misinformation.
Warning Against Misinformation:
Sanjay Kaul emphasised the need to remain vigilant against campaigns aimed at undermining the credibility of the election process. He warned of strong action against those found spreading fake news, violating the code of conduct, or engaging in paid news practices.
Media Monitoring Efforts:
To tackle the spread of misinformation, Sanjay Kaul revealed the deployment of media monitoring cells across the Chief Electoral Officer’s office and various districts. These cells are tasked with monitoring social media platforms, as well as traditional audio-visual and print media outlets.
Regulation of Political Advertisements:
Sanjay Kaul outlined the regulatory framework governing political advertisements. He stressed that all visual and audio advertisements used by political parties and candidates require approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. Advertisements distributed at the constituency level must also receive approval from the District-Level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee.
Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul’s warning underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to combating the spread of misinformation during the electoral process. With measures in place to monitor media platforms and regulate political advertisements, the aim is to uphold the integrity of the democratic process in Kerala.