ECP proposes 12 amendments to regulate AI use in Pakistan’s elections

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed amendments to its 2023 codes of conduct to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) during elections and prevent the misuse of technology to mislead voters.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed amendments to its 2023 codes of conduct to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) during elections and prevent the misuse of technology to mislead voters.

According to sources the proposed changes cover political parties and candidates media organisations and election observers. The commission has invited public and stakeholder feedback on the draft amendments by November 20.

Under the proposed rules media organisations would be required to clearly disclose content created or modified using AI when publishing or broadcasting election-related material. Media outlets could continue using AI for writing translation presentation and analysis provided they inform audiences about its use and remain responsible for the accuracy of the content.

The draft prohibits deceptive deepfakes featuring fabricated images voices or statements attributed to political leaders candidates election officials members of the judiciary armed forces personnel and other state officials when the material is false defamatory or intended to ridicule them.

Regulatory bodies including the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) the proposed Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency would monitor undisclosed AI-generated content and report violations to the ECP. Media organisations could also be directed to remove misleading material or label it appropriately.

Three proposed amendments concern election observers. They would be required to watch for AI-related manipulation during election monitoring and immediately report suspected incidents to the commission. Observers would also be prohibited from using AI to generate or alter their findings, photographs, videos and official reports.

More conditions would have to be used in campaigns by political parties and candidates AI. AI-generated or manipulated images, videos and audio clips would need clear labels while fabricated content intended to deceive voters or damage individuals’ reputations would be prohibited.

The draft also seeks to prevent political parties and candidates from using AI-powered bots automated accounts and similar tools to manipulate online engagement or manufacture artificial trends.

AI-assisted voter outreach including robocalls and voice-cloned messages would require a clear disclosure at the beginning of each call or message. Political parties and candidates would also have to preserve AI-generated material produced during the election process.

The proposed changes would tackle emerging digital risks and also set out clearer standards on media reporting on political campaigning and election observation. If adopted, the measures would impose new transparency requirements for use of AI in Pakistan’s electoral process.