ECP proposes AI rules for parties, media, election observers

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has introduced proposed amendments to election codes for political parties, candidates, media, and observers. The aim is to safeguard elections from the negative impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). The proposed changes have been made public and are open to feedback until November 20.

According to the draft notification, the ECP is constitutionally obligated to uphold fair and honest elections. This responsibility includes preventing corrupt practices, such as the manipulation of electoral processes through misleading AI-generated content, the notification stated. The proposed rules require political parties and candidates to disclose all AI-generated campaign material, including deepfakes, cloned voices, and synthetic media.

Robocalls and messages using cloned voices would also need to reveal their AI-generated origin. The draft also bans AI-generated content aimed at deceiving voters or falsifying information about people. Additionally, it prohibits the use of false, derogatory, or defamatory deepfakes against candidates, leaders, supporters, officials, the judiciary, state entities, or the military.

Political parties will be prohibited from using automated bots or accounts to artificially boost engagement metrics to create a false appearance of public support. They will also be required to keep records of all AI-assisted campaign content and submit these records to the ECP when requested. Media outlets, including print, electronic, and digital platforms, as well as social media influencers, will be required to label AI-altered election content.

Media organizations will remain legally accountable for the factual accuracy of content created using AI tools for translation, anchoring, or analysis. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency will oversee online platforms.

They will submit compliance reports to the ECP, which has the authority to order immediate content removals or re-labeling if necessary. Election observers will be required to identify and report AI-generated deepfakes and disinformation campaigns to the ECP promptly. They will also be prohibited from using AI to create or alter election photographs, videos, reports, or field observations.