Election Commission Takes Proactive Steps Against Misuse of Electronic Data

The Election Commission has taken decisive measures to curb the misuse of electronic data. It has issued instructions to state poll officers to destroy recordings of the election process, including CCTV footage, webcasts, and videos, after 45 days if no court challenges arise. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over the potential for such recordings to be used maliciously on social media platforms.

In a May 30 letter to state electoral officers, the commission outlined the necessity of documenting various election stages through photography and videography. While not legally required, these recordings serve as internal management tools. However, the potential for misuse prompted the commission to reconsider its data retention policies.

Previously, amendments to election rules by the Union law ministry, based on the Election Commission's recommendations, restricted public inspection of certain election documents to prevent exploitation. By limiting access and instituting data destruction protocols, the commission aims to protect the integrity of election processes and avoid the spread of misinformation.

(With inputs from agencies.)