Commercial secrecy cited as EC declines to reveal SIR algorithm, software version
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refused to disclose the name and version of the software used to identify discrepancies during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, citing commercial confidentiality, trade secrets and intellectual property protections.
In its RTI response dated October 16, the poll panel said the information was exempt from disclosure under the Right to Information Act on these grounds.
Activist seeks details of software
M.A. Mujeeb Ayub, a social activist from Karimnagar in Telangana, filed an RTI application on July 27, seeking details of the software, algorithms or artificial intelligence platforms used to identify errors in electoral rolls during the SIR exercise. He also sought information on the procedures followed to correct discrepancies in the lists.
No new software developed or purchased
The ECI said no new software had been developed or purchased specifically for the SIR exercise. Decisions on adding or deleting names from electoral rolls, it said, were taken by Electoral Registration Officers based on records and facts.
An election official said withholding software and algorithm details under the RTI framework was consistent with past practice. Previously, electronic voting machine manufacturers Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) had also declined to disclose EVM source codes under the RTI Act.
No clarification on AI use
The applicant had specifically asked whether artificial intelligence, machine learning or automated systems were used at any stage of the SIR process.
However, the Commission declined to provide a clarification, stating that questions seeking explanations or clarifications did not fall within the definition of “information” under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act.
The response has therefore left unanswered the specific question of whether AI or automated tools were used during the electoral roll revision. While the ECI maintained that enrolment and deletion decisions were based on documentary evidence and facts, it did not disclose the requested software details or provide a specific clarification on the use of AI.
