India's new social media law fuels youth protests and political criticism

The Indian government has introduced a law requiring social‑media platforms to remove any post or video flagged by the authorities within three hours. Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal alleges the rule is intended to silence criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party, warning that suppressing dissent will only increase youth anger. Kejriwal urged the government to focus on constructive work rather than curbing free expression.

In parallel, students in Jharkhand have been protesting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, demanding reforms and a probe into the selection process. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called for the government to address the concerns of young people and improve their prospects, while Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the state is ready for dialogue and robust reforms. The protests and the new law together highlight growing tensions between the government and India's youth.

Kejriwal also criticized the law for allowing removal of posts on issues such as paper leaks, ethanol policy and corruption, while alleging that abusive content targeting women receives no action. He warned that the government's fear of youth protests could backfire if it continues to suppress dissent.