EC to discuss risk prevention while partnering Cambridge Analytica

Concerned by the controversy over   harvesting data from Facebook by Cambridge Analytica, the Election Commission is likely to discuss next week   ways to prevent risks while continuing to use social media to encourage voters to exercise their democratic right.

"We are examining the breach and what risks are involved. We will decide next week and take steps," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat said on Friday.

The Election Commission has been using Facebook and other social media platforms to engage with youths in order to encourage them to enrol as voters and cast their votes to participate in the democratic exercise. The EC partnered with Facebook to reach out to the youths.

The poll panel took note of the controversy over alleged role of British political consultancy company Cambridge Analytica in harvesting data from Facebook to sway public opinion in favour of Donald Trump during the US presidential election in 2016 as well as to influence the referendum the same year when the British voted to leave the European Union.

Preventing risk

"We have to use the evolving technology for the best interest of voters and democracy. We have to prevent risks while using technology," Rawat told a TV channel.

The expose on Cambridge Analytica triggered a war of words between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress, with both sides trading charges of availing the services of the company to win elections in the past.

Rawat said the EC would discuss the steps it might need to take to prevent misuse of its social media engagement before continuing to partner Facebook.