Google announced a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the democratic process and protecting its platforms from abuse in the coming period Indian General Election. With millions of eligible voters heading to the polls, the tech giant said it recognizes its responsibility to connect users with trustworthy information and counter the spread of misinformation, including AI-generated content.
Easy access to search and voting information on YouTube
Google stated that its primary focus is to provide easy access to authoritative information from reliable sources. The company also Election Commission of India Showing critical details like how to register and vote on Google Search and YouTube in English and Hindi.
Apart from this, YouTube’s recommendation system will prioritize reliable content during the election season. YouTube’s homepage will also prominently display authoritative content alongside an “Up Next” panel to ensure election-related details are easily accessible to users.
YouTube will also highlight content from trusted sources when it matters, through Top Stories and Breaking News, as well as a news tracking page.
Moreover, the tech giant has also set up information panels that show the funding sources of publishers that receive public or government funding, as well as information panels that provide up-to-date context for topics prone to misinformation.
Protection of misinformation
To protect the integrity of the election process and protect its products and services from abuse, Google has strengthened its existing policies to keep its products and platforms safe while also blocking misinformation. Additionally, policies apply to all users regardless of content type.
The company used a combination of human reviewers and artificial intelligence models to identify and remove content that violates these policies. Google’s AI capabilities enhance anti-abuse efforts, enabling faster action against emerging threats.
Advertising during election campaigns
To keep things transparent when it comes to election ads, the company requires advertisers to undergo identity verification and provide the necessary certifications from the Election Commission. Election advertisements must also contain statements indicating the identity and location of the advertiser. Google maintains a searchable hub for all election ads and provides information on advertisers and their spending.
Restrict AI-generated content
Google has also taken steps to help identify AI-generated content through new tools and policies. The company has introduced disclosure requirements for election ads containing synthetic content and will soon require creators on YouTube to label content that is realistic, manipulated or synthetic. New advertising policies prohibit the use of manipulated media, such as fake media or doctored content, to mislead people.
Google also restricted Gemini on the types of election-related queries it would respond to and prioritized the provision of high-quality information. Additional features, such as the “About This Image” tool in Search and digital watermarking of AI-generated images, aim to provide users with context and assess trustworthiness.
Additionally, Google has joined the C2PA coalition, a cross-industry effort to provide transparency and context for AI-generated content. The company confirmed that the technology was being used to counter harmful AI-generated content intended to mislead voters during the 2024 elections.
Easy access to search and voting information on YouTube
Google stated that its primary focus is to provide easy access to authoritative information from reliable sources. The company also Election Commission of India Showing critical details like how to register and vote on Google Search and YouTube in English and Hindi.
Apart from this, YouTube’s recommendation system will prioritize reliable content during the election season. YouTube’s homepage will also prominently display authoritative content alongside an “Up Next” panel to ensure election-related details are easily accessible to users.
YouTube will also highlight content from trusted sources when it matters, through Top Stories and Breaking News, as well as a news tracking page.
Moreover, the tech giant has also set up information panels that show the funding sources of publishers that receive public or government funding, as well as information panels that provide up-to-date context for topics prone to misinformation.
Protection of misinformation
To protect the integrity of the election process and protect its products and services from abuse, Google has strengthened its existing policies to keep its products and platforms safe while also blocking misinformation. Additionally, policies apply to all users regardless of content type.
The company used a combination of human reviewers and artificial intelligence models to identify and remove content that violates these policies. Google’s AI capabilities enhance anti-abuse efforts, enabling faster action against emerging threats.
Advertising during election campaigns
To keep things transparent when it comes to election ads, the company requires advertisers to undergo identity verification and provide the necessary certifications from the Election Commission. Election advertisements must also contain statements indicating the identity and location of the advertiser. Google maintains a searchable hub for all election ads and provides information on advertisers and their spending.
Restrict AI-generated content
Google has also taken steps to help identify AI-generated content through new tools and policies. The company has introduced disclosure requirements for election ads containing synthetic content and will soon require creators on YouTube to label content that is realistic, manipulated or synthetic. New advertising policies prohibit the use of manipulated media, such as fake media or doctored content, to mislead people.
Google also restricted Gemini on the types of election-related queries it would respond to and prioritized the provision of high-quality information. Additional features, such as the “About This Image” tool in Search and digital watermarking of AI-generated images, aim to provide users with context and assess trustworthiness.
Additionally, Google has joined the C2PA coalition, a cross-industry effort to provide transparency and context for AI-generated content. The company confirmed that the technology was being used to counter harmful AI-generated content intended to mislead voters during the 2024 elections.
