Google launches 'know your candidate tool' for elections 2014

Internet giant Google on Tuesday launched a new tool 'know your candidate' as part of its elections portal offering which will give citizens access to relevant information about political candidates contesting from their constituency and their incumbent Member of Parliament.

The tool will integrate publicly available information, such as educational background, financial details and social media presence, sourced from Indian organizations such as the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), PRS Legislative Research and Liberty Institute India.

The US-based search giant said the tool will be updated regularly to provide information about all candidates as they get finalised and will be made available at least a week before the voting day in each constituency.

“With the launch of this tool, we have added all the important information of the contesting candidates with the help of groups such as ADR and PRS Legislative Research who have been doing a stellar job of collating all the important information about the candidates. We hope that making this information easily accessible will help Indian voters learn more about candidates running for public office and help them to make an informed decision,” Rajan Anandan, VP and Managing Director of Google India, said