Facebook deploys task force for strict ad rules ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls

As the 2019 General Elections are just around the corner, social media giant Facebook has announced that it would alter some of its political advertising norms ahead of the polls.

Facebook will place electoral ads in a searchable online library starting from next month. (Image: AFP)

Lok Sabha Election 2019: As the 2019 General Elections are just around the corner, social media giant Facebook has announced that it would alter some of its political advertising norms ahead of the polls in India which is due in May. According to a report by news agency Reuters, the social media platform would extend some of its political advertising rules and tools for curbing election interference to India, Nigeria, Ukraine and the European Union before significant votes in the next few months. Reportedly Facebook Inc is also working on possible ways to restrict individuals or organisations from misusing its platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp to influence the general elections. Being one of the most preferred social media platforms across the globe, Facebook has been widely used by political parties and their affiliates to spread fake news and other propaganda. As Facebook’s ads help in widening the audience for companies and individuals, at the same time such efforts also violate election rules and company policies. Even last year, the US-based firm introduced several initiatives to prevent misuse of the platform during elections. Speaking about the same during an interview, Facebook’s director of global politics and outreach “Katie Harbath said, “Beginning on Wednesday in Nigeria, only advertisers located in the country will be able to run electoral ads, mirroring a policy unveiled during an Irish referendum last May.” Even in India, which votes for parliament this spring, Facebook will place electoral ads in a searchable online library starting from next month, Reuters quoted Rob Leathern, a director of product management at the company as saying. As per the announcement, Facebook in India will strictly focus on cancelling fake accounts, spread of fake news for political propaganda, reporting of online abuse and making Facebook ads services more transparent. The company, in the past, has received huge backlash in India and the United States over misuse of its platform for political benefits. The company has also drafted a training module for policy-makers, political parties and others to help them boost cyber-security. Reportedly, the guide has already been shared with all Parliamentarians, state governments and election officials appointed by Election Commission of India.