During recent elections, several instances of false information going viral were reported, influencing public opinion and creating confusion among voters. Experts argue that social media algorithms, designed to maximize engagement, often inadvertently amplify sensational or misleading content.
“Platforms cannot hide behind neutrality when their systems actively promote content that misleads millions of users,” said Ritu Malhotra, a digital policy expert. “There must be stricter mechanisms to identify, flag, and remove false information during election cycles.”
On the other hand, representatives from social media firms insist they already invest heavily in content moderation and fact-checking. “We have dedicated teams and AI tools to identify harmful content. While no system is perfect, our policies are designed to prevent misinformation from influencing democratic processes,” said a spokesperson from one platform.
Legal experts note that holding companies accountable raises complex questions around freedom of speech and jurisdiction, especially since these platforms operate globally. In India, the Information Technology Rules of 2021 require intermediaries to remove unlawful content within a stipulated time, but enforcement during elections remains challenging.
As political campaigns increasingly leverage social media to reach voters, authorities, tech companies, and civil society groups must collaborate to balance free expression with electoral integrity. The debate highlights a growing need for transparent policies and proactive measures to prevent misinformation from undermining democracy.
The conversation around social media accountability is likely to intensify ahead of future elections, as stakeholders grapple with how best to ensure that technology strengthens, rather than compromises, the democratic process.
