EC: Tough to monitor social media

MUMBAI: It will be difficult for the Election Commission to monitor each and every campaign on the social media, which is expected to see heavy use during the Lok Sabha polls, sources in the state electoral wing said.

"Though the police machinery will help us track the origin of wrong, malicious campaigns, we will also ensure that parties take permission of the Election Commission before posting official advertisements on social network sites," said an official. "We will ensure that parties and candidates also show expenses for posting their official advertisements on social media sites, though it is not possible to track all other messages and unofficial campaigns on the networks."

Social activist Y P Singh said, "The election authorities may not be able to take action against commoners for their posts on social media sites, but they can surely watch parties and candidates initiating unlawful campaign."

Although young voters were very passionate, he said, they were ignorant of national issues. "Social media can make them vote for a party but young voters themselves do not have capacity to take correct decisions."