Delhi: The Election Commission of India has expressed serious concerns regarding the protection of voter privacy. During a press conference in Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar condemned the incident where photos of several voters were released to the media without their consent a few days ago. He stated that allegations were made against these voters, and their photos were misused.read also:“10 New Nuclear Reactors Are Under Construction: Prime Minister Modi’s Statement”
Kumar questioned whether the Election Commission should share CCTV footage of voters, including their mothers, daughters-in-law, and daughters. He emphasized that only those whose names appear on the voter list are eligible to cast their vote and choose their candidate. Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes to the electoral process. He referenced a 2019 Supreme Court ruling, which stated that sharing machine-readable voter lists could lead to privacy breaches. read also: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Urges IIT Delhi Students to Fuel Innovation for a Self-Reliant India
"If voter photos and videos are publicly released, political parties or groups could identify who voted and who did not, potentially leading to harassment or pressure on voters," sources from the commission said. The Election Commission has decided not to publicly release CCTV footage under Rule 93 of the 1961 Election Rules. This rule allows only certain documents related to elections to be made available for public inspection, excluding electronic records like CCTV footage. This decision aims to protect voter privacy and prevent the misuse of such footage.read also: "Give Affidavit or Apologise, No Third Option": Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Rahul Gandhi's "Vote Theft" Allegations
In December 2024, the Central Law Ministry amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the 1961 Election Rules, restricting the public inspection of certain electronic records, including CCTV footage. This amendment is intended to safeguard voter identity and prevent the creation of false narratives using AI, as stated by Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The Election Commission has identified protecting voter privacy as a top priority. CCTV footage will only be shared upon a court order, and strict measures have been taken to prevent potential harassment, pressure, or misuse resulting from public release. This action reflects the commission's commitment to ensuring voter dignity and security.JUNEBERRY® Cotton Round Neck Regular Fit Plain Solid Full Sleeve T-Shirt Combo for Women (Pack of 3) (Available Colors: Black, White, Navy, Green,Swanwhite & Cork)