Will draft ‘code of ethics’ in next 24 hours: Social media platforms to EC

Social media intermediaries and the internet and mobile association Tuesday told the Election Commission that they would come up with a draft ‘code of ethics’ for the industry in the next 24 hours as part of a mechanism to prevent abuse of social media platforms during the Lok Sabha elections beginning April 11.

Representatives of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and TikTok, were called by the poll panel to discuss the issue of evolving mechanism to prevent abuse on social media platforms. The EC also wanted to ensure that elections are insulated from outside influence.

A statement issued by the EC said the meeting also discussed evolving a ‘notification’ mechanism by social media platforms for acting upon the violations of Section 126 of R.P. Act, 1951 and preventing misuse of these platforms.