The Framework on Online Electoral Process information, Political Advertising and Deceptive AI Content has been published in advance of the European Parliament, local authority and Limerick mayoral elections on 7 June.

The framework is voluntary and intended to complement existing EU and international initiatives.

While the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides An Coimisiún Toghcháin with powers relating to the regulation of online political advertising and the monitoring and investigation of online disinformation during election campaign periods, these parts of the legislation have not yet come into force.

An Coimisiún Toghcháin said its initiative recognises “that today’s online landscape is markedly different from that of the 2019 European and local elections”.

“The framework comes in response to concerns and evidence from a range of international bodies and actors including the OECD, International IDEA and the European Digital Media Observatory regarding the potential for false information, deceptive use of AI and other online activity to compromise the integrity of electoral processes and undermine democratic values and principles,” it added.

“The framework is relevant both to online platforms and search engines as well as Ireland’s registered political parties and election candidates.

“In preparing the framework consideration has been given to the importance of ensuring a reasonable balance between fundamental rights such as the protection of freedom of expression and opinions, and the right to participate in public affairs and the need to protect democracy and electoral integrity.

“An Coimisiún welcomes the support of Technology Ireland for this voluntary framework and has today written to all registered political parties as well as the independent parliamentary groupings asking them to publicly support the framework and asking that candidates in the June elections voluntarily abide by its principles.”