Centre ropes in Meta, Google, Telegram to curb fake NEET leak posts ahead of re-exam | India News
New Delhi: The Center on Wednesday enlisted the support of major social media platforms including Meta, Google and Telegram to suppress rumours, fake paper leak claims and panic-inducing posts ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, as the government stepped up efforts to restore confidence after the country’s biggest medical exam.Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level meeting with representatives of social media firms and separately reviewed security preparations with central intelligence and law enforcement agencies, ordering a “focused crackdown” on organized disinformation networks operating online ahead of exams.According to education ministry officials, concerns were expressed over the growing spread of fake content through Telegram channels, anonymous groups and automated bots that become highly active before major exams. Officials said many such channels spread fake paper leak claims, clickbait messages and unverified information designed to create panic and confusion among students and parents.“Several suspicious channels have been found operating through a limited set of phone numbers, indicating concerted and organized activity,” a senior ministry official said citing inputs shared by intelligence agencies during the meeting.It is learned that social media platforms have assured active cooperation to the government in identifying, blocking and removing misleading content linked to the exam, officials said. The chief directed agencies to work closely with the ministry, National Testing Agency (NTA) and law enforcement agencies to ensure speedy removal of channels spreading “false information, propaganda and panic”.Intelligence and security agencies were asked to step up digital surveillance and monitor emerging online patterns during the tests, officials said. Particular attention is being paid to encrypted messaging platforms and rapidly expanding groups that claim to provide candidates with advance access to exam material or “insider information.”The meetings come ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination announced after the May 3 exam was canceled following allegations of part of the paper being leaked ahead of the exam. The controversy has revived concerns over the security of the exam following earlier NEET-related controversies including allegations of paper leaks, grace marks controversy and organized malpractice networks.Earlier in Tuesday’s re-NEET preparation review meeting, the chief stressed that all the weaknesses identified in the earlier examination process must be comprehensively addressed. Officials were directed to hold coordination meetings with district magistrates and superintendents of police across the state to ensure strict monitoring and strict implementation of security protocols at test centres.The minister directed the authorities to ensure adequate facilities to the students including transport, drinking water and seamless arrangements during the re-examination.
