India's prime minister is wooing the GenZ while cracking down on them

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-02T11:32:08.443Z • Permanent link

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been attempting to woo the Generation Z (GenZ) demographic, while simultaneously cracking down on them. The government's efforts to do so have been largely unsuccessful, with the ruling party appearing to be playing catch-up. The protests, which began over two months ago, were largely organized through social media, with most participants appearing to be digitally-savvy GenZ individuals. The protests were sparked by concerns over the government's plans to impose stricter regulations on social media companies, particularly those that are owned by foreign entities.

The protests have been centered around the proposed amendments to the Information Technology Act, which aim to give the government greater control over online content and social media platforms. The amendments have been met with widespread criticism from tech companies, civil society groups, and individual users, who argue that they would stifle free speech and creativity. The government's efforts to respond to the protests have been criticized for being heavy-handed, with some reports suggesting that the authorities have used excessive force to disperse crowds.

The Indian government's attempts to woo GenZ have been led by the Prime Minister's office, which has been working closely with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The MeitY has been promoting a range of initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy and online skills among young Indians. However, these efforts have been criticized for being superficial and lacking in substance. The government's attempts to appeal to GenZ have also been met with skepticism, with many young Indians viewing the Prime Minister's efforts as an attempt to buy their loyalty and silence their concerns.

The government's crackdown on social media companies and its attempts to woo GenZ have significant implications for the AI and tech ecosystem in India. The proposed amendments to the Information Technology Act could have far-reaching consequences for the country's tech industry, with many companies already expressing concerns over the potential impact on their operations. The government's efforts to promote digital literacy and online skills among young Indians could also have a significant impact on the country's tech ecosystem, with many companies investing heavily in online education and training initiatives.

The impact of the government's actions on the AI and tech ecosystem in India will also be felt globally, with many tech companies and investors taking a keen interest in the country's tech policies. The Indian government's attempts to balance its desire to promote digital growth with its need to regulate the tech industry could have significant implications for the global tech landscape. As the world's largest democracy, India's tech policies will be closely watched by policymakers and business leaders around the globe.

The Indian government's attempts to woo GenZ are part of a larger pattern of attempts by governments around the world to engage with young people and promote their interests. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of engaging with young people and promoting their interests, particularly in the context of digital technology. The Indian government's efforts to promote digital literacy and online skills among young Indians are part of a broader trend of governments around the world investing in online education and training initiatives.