Last updated on October 22, 2025
No, it is not allowed. The Election Commission of India explicitly prohibits the use of deepfake content in political campaigns, citing multiple legal frameworks that safeguard electoral integrity and penalize misinformation and impersonation.
Digital Illusions Meet Democratic Realities
Imagine a video of a political leader saying something shocking—only to discover it’s a deepfake. In the age of AI, such illusions are increasingly convincing. But in India, especially during national elections, they’re not just misleading—they’re illegal.
India’s democratic machinery is vast, vibrant, and vulnerable to digital manipulation. With over 900 million eligible voters and a complex electoral landscape, the stakes are high. That’s why the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a firm stance against synthetic media, especially deepfakes, during election periods.
The Legal Firewall Against Fakes
The ECI’s directives are clear: political parties and their representatives must not publish or circulate deepfake videos or audios. These rules are grounded in a robust legal framework that includes the Information Technology Act, 2000; the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021; the Indian Penal Code; and the twin Representation of People Acts of 1950 and 1951.
These laws collectively prohibit impersonation, dissemination of false information, and any content that misleads voters or disrupts public order. Deepfakes, by their very nature, violate these principles. They can distort facts, manipulate public opinion, and erode trust in democratic institutions.
Model Code of Conduct: The Digital Extension
During election periods, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) governs campaign behavior. In recent years, the MCC has been extended to cover online content, including social media. That means any AI-generated or manipulated media used in campaigns must adhere to the same ethical standards as traditional formats.
Political parties are required to remove fake content within three hours of notification. They must also warn the individuals responsible, report unlawful material to platforms, and escalate unresolved issues to the Grievance Appellate Committee.
The Role of Technology and Accountability
India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also weighed in, urging platforms to label AI-generated content and embed metadata to identify deepfakes. Intermediaries are expected to implement consent mechanisms and inform users about the reliability of AI outputs.
This multi-layered approach reflects India’s commitment to balancing innovation with accountability. While AI offers powerful tools for engagement, its misuse—especially in the political arena—is tightly regulated.
Why It Matters
Elections are the cornerstone of democracy. In India, where every vote counts and every voice matters, protecting the integrity of that process is paramount. Deepfakes threaten to undermine informed decision-making, sow confusion, and destabilize public trust.
So if you’re thinking of using AI to spice up a campaign, think again. In India, the line between creativity and criminality is drawn with legal precision.
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Sources
Election Commission of India – Press Note PN-72
https://elections24.eci.gov.in/docs/5ylWJLjQBX.pdf
6 May 2024
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/02/Information-Technology-Intermediary-Guidelines-and-Digital-Media-Ethics-Code-Rules-2021-updated-06.04.2023-1-2.pdf
6 April 2023