Poll Rules Tweak Makes Electronic Records Harder To Get, Sparks Row

EC officials have said misuse of CCTV camera footage from inside polling booths could compromise voter secrecy. They also said the footage could be used to generate fake narrative using artificial intelligence (AI)

The government has tweaked an election rule to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV cameras, webcasting footage, and video recordings of candidates to prevent their misuse. This has led to the Opposition accusing the government of "eroding integrity of the electoral process".

EC officials have said misuse of CCTV camera footage from inside polling booths could compromise voter secrecy. They also said the footage could be used to generate fake narrative using artificial intelligence (AI).

The Union Law Ministry on Friday amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to restrict the type of "papers" or documents open to public inspection, based on a recommendation by the Election Commission (EC).