"The Election Commission has completely banned AI-generated content in this election, so any use of artificial intelligence in campaigning is now illegal."

On 7 January 2026, the Election Commission announced new communication regulations under the Election Code of Conduct 2082, which extend campaign rules to online media, social networks and emerging technologies. Coverage by Ujyaalo Nepal and NePulse shows that the EC requires online campaign expenses to be reported, broadens the definition of social media, and explicitly warns against using artificial intelligence to violate the code—for example through deceptive deepfakes. Digital Rights Nepal notes that the EC's Election Information Center will monitor AI-generated disinformation in cooperation with major platforms. None of these documents amount to a blanket ban on all AI use; they target abusive or opaque uses that breach existing rules. The blanket‑ban narrative therefore overstates the restriction and obscures the more nuanced goal of regulating harmful content and undisclosed spending.