New IEC rules aim to combat misinformation ahead of elections

A groundbreaking development has emerged as legislation targeting misinformation and disinformation has been integrated into the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Code of Conduct. Earlier this month, the Electoral Commission officially introduced the Electoral Code of Conduct Countering Disinformation in Municipal Elections, which imposes stringent requirements on political parties, candidates, and supporters.

Masego Sheburi, the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of the IEC, expressed the significance of the Electoral Code of Conduct and the preparations for the upcoming elections. He emphasized that while the code does not outright ban the use of generative AI content, it mandates that such material must be clearly labeled as artificial intelligence-generated.

On Wednesday, political parties and independent candidates convened at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg to publicly commit to refraining from actions that could undermine the peaceful, free, and fair nature of elections. Mosotho Moepya, Chairperson of the IEC, stated that all contestants have a legal obligation to verify the factual accuracy of any content they publish, share, or distribute.

Furthermore, the IEC has established a 36-hour Correction Mandate. In the event that false or misleading information is inadvertently published, political parties are required to issue a clear public retraction and correction within 36 hours of becoming aware of the error. Additionally, if artificial intelligence is employed to create any campaign materials or paid advertisements, they must be explicitly and prominently labeled as such.