Election Chief Clarifies EVMs Operate Without Internet, Bluetooth Or Wi-Fi Connectivity

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday said electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in India do not have internet, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, reiterating the Election Commission’s position on the technology and design of the machines. Kumar made the remarks during his two-day visit to Lucknow, where he interacted with students and discussed India’s electoral system, democratic institutions and the role of young voters.

Kumar spoke with students at the historic Colvin Taluqdars' College, addressing questions about the electoral process and the functioning and reliability of EVMs. According to an official statement, the interaction covered several aspects of India’s democratic system, including elections, voting technology and the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. The discussion provided students an opportunity to raise questions about the systems used to conduct elections across the country.

Responding to questions about EVMs, Kumar said the machines used in Indian elections are manufactured by public sector companies. He stressed that the machines are not connected to the internet and do not use wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The clarification came amid continuing public discussion over the security and reliability of electronic voting systems and concerns sometimes raised about whether the machines could be accessed or manipulated remotely.

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The Election Commission has consistently maintained that India’s EVMs are designed as standalone systems and are not connected to external networks. Kumar’s comments reiterated that position while highlighting the importance of understanding how election technology works before reaching conclusions about its security. The use of EVMs has been a major feature of India’s electoral process, with the machines deployed in elections across the country.

During his interaction with the students, Kumar also focused on the importance of evaluating information carefully in an environment increasingly shaped by social media. He advised young people to check the source of information and establish its authenticity before accepting or sharing it. The advice was particularly relevant to discussions surrounding elections, where claims and allegations can spread rapidly through online platforms and influence public perceptions.

“Before accepting any information, it is essential to check its source and verify its authenticity,” Kumar said, according to the official statement. His remarks linked the discussion on EVMs with a broader message about responsible citizenship and informed participation in democracy. By urging students to verify information before circulating it, the poll body chief emphasised the importance of distinguishing verified facts from unsubstantiated claims, particularly on issues connected with elections and democratic institutions.

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