EC Eyes AI Abuse: New Rules Target Misinformation, Cyber Bullying, and EVM Removal

The Election Commission (EC) is set to hold candidates, political parties, and the media accountable for spreading falsehoods or disinformation using artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the upcoming national elections. At the same time, a new provision will be added to the electoral code of conduct to curb cyberbullying targeting women. The EC has also decided to scrap all provisions related to the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Election Commissioner Abu Faysal Md. Sanaullah said that provisions would be incorporated into the Representation of the People Order (RPO) to take action against candidates, political parties, organizations, and media outlets for any AI-driven falsehoods or defamation.
"This is a global problem, not just a problem for Bangladesh. Personally, I have met with at least 20 election management bodies worldwide, and everyone shares the same concern. We don’t want to reduce our bandwidth or shut down platforms. So what options do we have? Basically, the strategy we are working on is how to neutralize bad information with good information—because you cannot completely stop bad information. Globally, the average traceability rate is about 50 percent. If we cannot trace the source domestically or hold them accountable under the law, how do we ensure accountability? The options are either a complete internet shutdown or overpowering false information with verified facts," Sanaullah explained.

He further stated that, for this election, only digital billboards will be allowed to use lights, and the existing ban on decorative lighting will remain in force. The commission meeting, held on Monday evening, was attended by Commissioners Abu Faysal Md. Sanaullah, Abdur Rahmanel Mashud, Tahmida Ahmed, Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, and other officials.

Highlighting the growing problem of online harassment, Sanaullah said, "One issue to be added to the code of conduct for parties and candidates is the obligation to take effective measures to ensure respect for women. Yesterday, at a function, a popular female leader raised the concern that cyberbullying targeting women has increased alarmingly. This needs to be included in the code of conduct. The Cabinet has also discussed this, aiming to foster a respectful and tolerant environment for women."

He stressed the importance of media cooperation in tackling disinformation. "We are also working out strategies and will hold a workshop with you. We hope to counter falsehoods with truth through these efforts," he told journalists.

Earlier in the day, the ninth commission’s adjourned meeting on RPO reforms was held at the EC headquarters under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin. In the evening briefing, Sanaullah announced that the "no vote" option will be available only for uncontested candidates, even in coalition arrangements where candidates must run under their own party symbol. Law enforcement provisions have been expanded to include the armed forces, allowing the commission to deploy the army, navy, and air force for maintaining law and order.

Since assuming office, the current EC had already declared it would not use EVMs, and these have now been formally removed from the RPO. Additionally, the limit for individual donations to political parties has been raised from Tk 1 million to Tk 5 million, matching the institutional donation ceiling. However, all transactions must be made via bank accounts and declared in the donor’s tax returns.