Facebook launches "I`m a Voter" feature for Indian users
Facebook users in India can now update their status after casting their ballot with a new "I`m a Voter" feature that the social networking giant has introduced to cash in on the election buzz.
New Delhi: Facebook users in India can now update their status after casting their ballot with a new "I`m a Voter" feature that the social networking giant has introduced to cash in on the election buzz.
For the first time in the country, users over the age of 18 will see a message at the top of their Facebook News Feed on their mobile handsets, reminding them that voting has started in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
"In addition, by clicking a button that says "I`m a Voter" they will be able to post a story to their Facebook timeline, sharing with friends that they are voting in this election," Facebook Public Policy Director (India and South Asia) Ankhi Das said.
The election day message and "I`m a Voter" button will be visible to Facebook users only on the day polling in their areas.
Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions and debates about political parties and candidates in the elections, which started on April 7 and are being held on nine days, with counting scheduled for May 16.
Companies, including tech firms, have come out with campaigns asking the youth to vote.
More that 814 million voters, including over 23 million in the 18-19 year age group, will exercise their franchise in the world`s largest democracy.
India has the third-largest Internet base globally with more than 238 million users. There are more than 100 million active Facebook users in India.
Political parties are using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to campaign and connect with the public.
According to digital media experts, the bulk of about 100 million first-time voters are active on social networking sites and are the main targets of parties seeking to widen their audience reach.
Estimates suggest that digital platforms may get a 10th of the Rs 4,000-5,000 crore that political parties are spending on advertisements and publicity during this election.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.