An Alternate Legal Framework For Social Media Regulations During Elections

Ananyaa Varma, Bennett University

ABSTRACT

“A healthy democracy requires a decent society; it requires that we are honorable, generous, tolerant and respectful.” – Charles W Pickering

India has surpassed significant changes pertaining the political realm over the past few decades with the campaigning arena being a witness and a subject to its transformation. India is composed of a huge politically conscious population with majority of it being on the polar opposites of the spectrum which consequentially results into the generation of baseless rumors, misinformation, ridiculing and defamation of the opposite party in order to garner votes for the supporting party. This pursuit is particularly time-sensitive when it comes to the implementation of elections and can result into the destruction of an economy, the socio-political safety as well as diplomacy if misinformation spread through social media is widely circulated and becomes a weapon for mass manipulation, subjugation and politicization of elements considered to be sensitive and diplomatic in nature.

The object of my study is to understand and acknowledge the role social media plays in influencing the conduct of elections on a micro as well as macro stage and suggesting alternative or additional remedies that may be implemented in order to curb any unfavorable elements arising out of the use of social media which may threaten any sort of political, social or democratic stability.