EC plans central cell to tackle AI misuse during polls
Staff Reporter :
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin on Tuesday announced that the Election Commission (EC) is planning to set up a central cell to combat artificial intelligence (AI)-generated misinformation and disinformation during the upcoming national elections.
He said the centrally coordinated unit would function to ensure that accurate information reaches even the most remote areas, operating under a structured framework designed to effectively address emerging challenges.
The CEC made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Integration of AI in the Upcoming National Election to Counter Misinformation and Disinformation” held at the Election Training Institute (ETI) in the capital’s Agargaon.
The workshop brought together representatives from the NTMC, MIST, BTRC, CID, ICT Division, IFES, BUET, Dhaka University, BASIS, private universities, the EC Secretariat, and other relevant organizations. Election Commissioners were also present, with EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed presiding over the session.
Describing the misuse of AI as a growing global concern, the CEC said, “We want to adopt coordinated measures to prevent its misuse in the electoral process. We have been working on this issue for some time and have planned to establish a central cell dedicated to addressing misinformation and disinformation.”
He further stated, “We expect to receive specific recommendations from today’s workshop on how to stop the rapid spread of AI-driven false information from remote or hard-to-reach areas, and how to ensure that verified information reaches the public efficiently through existing infrastructure.”
Stressing the need for a round-the-clock monitoring system, the CEC said, “This is a 24-hour task. The recommendations should clearly specify the required manpower, the fact-checking mechanism, the coordination among different agencies, task distribution, and the process for delivering accurate information swiftly to the source of misinformation.”
He underscored, “The fact-checking process must be fast and responsive. We need an integrated and effective system-not just a set of guidelines. We seek concrete and coordinated recommendations.”
EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed reiterated the commission’s commitment to holding free and fair elections, noting that global studies show around 92 percent of elections worldwide face credibility challenges due to AI-related risks.
“To ensure a participatory and credible election, collective cooperation is essential in preventing the misuse of AI,” he added.