Social media platforms and IAMAI announce "Voluntary Code of Ethics for the 2019 General Election”, CEC Sunil Arora calls it a good beginning. Here it is

With regards to the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls, in which social media is expected to play a major role, the representatives of the likes of Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) presented code of ethics it will initiate from its side to the Election Commission.

Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Shri Ashok Lavasa and Shri Sushil Chandra were apprised about how the social media platforms would ensure transparency on their part when it comes to matters like paid political advertisements and fair usage of their platforms.

It was ensured during this meeting that the social media platforms will dedicate a mechanism throughout the election period in making sure that there are no violations. CEC Sunil Arora appreciated the measures brought forward by the representatives of their respective platforms, but suggested a lot more needs to be done.

Following is the press statement released after the meeting:

Social Media Platforms present “Voluntary Code of Ethics for the 2019 General Election” to Election Commission of India :

The Social Media Platforms and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), today presented a “Voluntary Code of Ethics for the General Election 2019” to Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Shri Ashok Lavasa and Shri Sushil Chandra. The Code of Ethics has been developed as a follow up to the yesterday’s meeting with IAMAI and representatives of Social Media Platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Google, ShareChat and TikTok etc.

Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sunil Arora while appreciating the steps taken, said that formulation of the Code augurs a good beginning but is essentially, a work in making.  He said the Participants need to follow in letter and spirit the commitments made in the Code of Ethics. The Platforms have committed to process any violations reported under Section 126 of RP Act, 1951 within three hours as per Sinha Committee recommendations.  

The Platforms have also agreed to create a high priority dedicated reporting mechanism for the ECI and appoint dedicated teams during the period of General Elections for taking expeditious action on any reported violations. Participants have also agreed to provide a mechanism for political advertisers to submit pre-certified advertisements issued by Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. The Code of Ethics also promises to facilitate transparency in paid political advertisements. IAMAI has agreed to coordinate with participants various steps mentioned in this code. Participants have also committed to voluntarily undertake voter awareness campaigns.

 The ‘Code of Ethics” has been developed to ensure free, fair & ethical usage of Social Media Platforms to maintain the integrity of the electoral process for the General Elections 2019. The Code voluntarily agreed upon by the Participants comes into operation with immediate effect.