JOHANNESBURG - More than 700 complaints have been lodged with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), with most relating to posts on social media platform X ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo says some complaints involve the unauthorised use of people’s images through artificial intelligence (AI), although these incidents have not yet significantly disrupted the electoral environment.
“It is basic things, like somebody has used my picture using AI, but fortunately it has not been something that impaired the environment in which the election is happening,” Mamabolo said.
READ | IEC gets to ballot reprinting after Apex ruling on candidate list dispute
The IEC has signed an agreement with major technology companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok and Moxii Africa, to tackle misleading online content and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
The IEC has warned that violations of its Disinformation Code could carry serious legal consequences.
According to Mamabolo, the Electoral Court may impose fines of up to R200,000 or prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years, depending on the offence.
In certain cases, the court may also order the deregistration of a candidate or political party.