Centre ropes in Meta, Google, Telegram to curb fake NEET leak posts ahead of re-exam

Key points

• NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday has enlisted the support of major social media platforms, including Meta, Google and Telegram, to crack down on rumours, fake paper leak claims and panic-inducing posts ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, as the government steps up efforts to restore confidence in the country’s biggest medical entrance test after the recent leak controversy.Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level meeting with representatives of the social media companies and separately reviewed security preparations with central intelligence and law enforcement agencies, directing a “focused crackdown” on organised misinformation networks operating online before examinations.According to education ministry officials, concerns were raised over the growing spread of fake content through Telegram channels, anonymous groups and automated bots that become highly active before major examinations.
• Officials said many such channels circulate fabricated paper leak claims, clickbait messages and unverified information designed to trigger panic and confusion among students and...