The Election Commission has declined to disclose the name and version of the software used to identify errors and anomalies in electoral rolls during the special intensive revision, citing exemptions under the Right to Information Act relating to commercial confidence, trade secrets and intellectual property.
The response was issued on October 16 to an RTI application filed by activist MA Mujeeb Ayyub.
The poll panel also said that no new software had been developed or procured specifically for the special intensive revision and maintained that decisions on whether a voter is included or excluded from the electoral roll are taken by the electoral registration officer on the basis of facts and records.
FCRF’s Chief AI Officer Certification Returns on November 14 to Prepare Future AI Leaders
RTI Sought Details on AI and Automated Flagging
Ayyub had asked whether the software or artificial intelligence platform used during the revision automatically flagged voter records for verification, correction or deletion.
He also sought information on safeguards intended to prevent false positives and the wrongful flagging of genuine electors.
The application further asked whether artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics or automated decision-support tools were used at any stage of the process.
In its reply, the Election Commission said that some of the information sought amounted to a request for clarification and did not fall within the definition of information under the RTI Act.
EC Withholds Details on Review of Flagged Records
On the question of who reviews anomalies identified by the system, the Election Commission declined to disclose the information.
It cited an exemption under the RTI Act covering information that could endanger the life or physical safety of a person or reveal confidential sources provided for law-enforcement or security purposes.
The poll body reiterated that the electoral registration officer of the concerned constituency is the statutory authority responsible for preparing and revising the electoral roll.
It said the final decision on the inclusion or exclusion of an elector rests with the officer rather than with an automated system.
ECINET and SIR Process Remain Under Scrutiny
The RTI response comes amid continuing questions over the use of ECINET, the Election Commission’s online platform for voter registration and related services, and the role of technology in the special intensive revision process.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticised the Election Commission over the lack of disclosure around ECINET and the possible use of artificial intelligence, alleging that insufficient transparency has affected public confidence in the process.
Questions have also been raised over decisions linked to the special intensive revision since the exercise began in June 2025.
In May, the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the revision exercise while observing that the Election Commission could not itself determine whether a person is an Indian citizen.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
Follow for daily updates on cybercrime, corporate fraud, DFIR, hacking, investigations, and digital forensics
