#FactCheck - AI-Generated Flyover Collapse Video Shared With Misleading Claims

Introduction‍

Netizens across the globe have been enjoying the fruits of technological advancements in the digital century. Our personal and professional life has been impacted deeply by the new technologies. The previous year we saw an exponential rise in blockchain integration and the applications of Web 3.0. There is no denying that the Covid-19 pandemic caused a rapid rise in technology and internet penetration all across the globe, bringing the world closer with respect to connectivity and the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Tech advancements have definitely made our lives easier, but the same has also opened the doors to various vulnerabilities and new potential threats. As cyberspace expands, so do the vulnerabilities associated with it, and it is critical we take note of such issues and create safeguards to the extent that such incidents are prevented before they occur. We need to create sustainable and secure cyberspace for future generations.MetaVerse in 2023The metaverse was introduced by Facebook (now Meta) in 2021 as a peak into the future of cyberspace. Since then, tech developers have been working towards arming the metaverse with extraordinary innovations and applications. Netizens came across news like someone bought a house or a plot in the metaverse, someone bought a car in the metaverse, and so on, these news were taken to be the evidence of the netizen’s transition towards the new digital age as we have seen in sci-fi movies. But today this type of news has become history and the metaverse is expanding faster than ever. Let us look at the latest developments and trends in the metaverse-

• Avatar creation - The avatar creation in the metaverse will be a pivotal move as the avatars will represent the user, and essentially it will be the digital, version of the user and will be similar to the user's personal and physical traits to maintain realism in the metaverse.
• Architecture firms - Metaverse has its own set of architects who will be working towards creating your dream home or pro[erty in the metaverse, the heavy code-based services are now being sold just as if they were in the physical space.
• Mining - The metaverse already has companies who are mining gold, silver, petroleum, and other resources for the avatars in the metaverse, for instance, if someone has bought a car in the metaverse, it will still need fuel to run.
• Security firms - These firms are the first line of defenders in the metaverse as they provide tech-based solutions and protocols to secure one’s avatar and belongings in the metaverse.
• Metaverse Police - Interpol, along with its global partner organization has created the metaverse police, who will be working towards creating a safe cyber ecosystem by maintaining compliance with digital laws and ethics.

Advancements beyond metaverse in 2023

‍Technology continues to be a critical force for change in the world. Technology breakthroughs give enterprises more possibilities to lift their productivity and invent offerings. And while it remains difficult to forecast how technology trends will play out, business leaders can plan ahead better by watching the development of new technologies, anticipating how companies could utilize them, and understanding the factors that impact innovation and adoption.

• Applied observability

It advances the practice of pattern recognition. To foresee and identify abnormalities and offer solutions, one must have the capacity to delve deeply into complicated systems and a stream of data. Data fuels this aspect of tech growth in the future.

• Digital Immune System

To ensure that all major systems operate round-the-clock to deliver uninterrupted services, Digital Immune System will combine observability, AI-augmented testing, chaos engineering, site reliability engineering (SRE), and software supply chain security. This will take the efficiency of the systems to a new level.

• Super apps

These represent the upcoming shift in application usage, design, and development, where consumers will utilise a single app to manage most systems in an enterprise ecosystem. Over 50% of the world’s population will utilise super apps on a daily basis to fulfill their daily personal and professional needs.

• AR/VR and BlockChain technology

A combination of better interconnected, safe, and immersive virtual environments where people and businesses may recreate real-life scenarios will be created by combining AR/VR, AI/ML, IoT, and Blockchain, thus creating a new vertical of innovation with keen technologies of Web 3.0.

• AAI

The next level of AI, i.e., Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), will revolutionise machine learning, pattern recognition, and computing. It aims to fully automate processes without requiring any manual input, thus eradicating the issues of human error and bad actor influence completely.

• Corporate Metaverse

Aside from its power as a marketing tool, the metaverse promises to provide platforms, tools, and entire virtual worlds where business can be done remotely, efficiently, and intelligently. We can expect to see the metaverse concept merge with the idea of the “digital twin” – virtual simulations of real-world products, processes, or operations that can be used to test and prototype new ideas in the safe environment of the digital domain. From wind farms to Formula 1 cars, designers are recreating physical objects inside virtual worlds where their efficiency can be stress-tested under any conceivable condition without the resource costs that would be incurred by testing them in the physical world.ConclusionIn 2023, we will see more advanced use cases for technology such as motion capture, which will mean that as well as looking and sounding more like us, our avatars will adopt our own unique gestures and body language. We may even start to see further developments in the fields of autonomous avatars – meaning they won't be under our direct control but will be enabled by AI to act as our representatives in the digital world while we ourselves get on with other, completely unrelated tasks. As we go deeper into cyberspace, we need to remember the basic safety practices and inculcate them with respect to cyberspace and work towards creating string policies and legislations to safeguard the digital rights and duties of the netizen to create a wholesome and interdependent cyber ecosystem.

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A photo circulating on social media claims to show Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj offering namaz during net practice, while teammates Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill are seen taking a selfie with him. Several users are sharing the image as a “beautiful moment,” portraying it as a symbol of faith, unity and sportsmanship. However, research by the Cyber Peace Foundation has found that the viral image is not genuine and has been AI-generated.

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Claim

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On January 14, 2026, multiple Facebook users shared the viral image with captions describing it as a touching scene from Rajkot’s Saurashtra Stadium. The posts claim that Mohammed Siraj took time out during net practice to offer prayers, reflecting his strong faith, while fellow cricketers Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill respectfully captured the moment on camera.

Users praised the image as a rare blend of spirituality, discipline, teamwork and mutual respect, calling it a “beautiful confluence of sport and faith.”(Links to the post, archived version and screenshots are provided below.)

• https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=4437845333095160&set=a.1510003369212719 

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Fact Check:

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On closely examining the viral image, several visual inconsistencies and unnatural elements were observed, raising suspicion that the picture may not be authentic.To verify this, the Cyber Peace Foundation analysed the image using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. According to the tool’s assessment, the image showed a 99% likelihood of being AI-generated.

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To further strengthen the verification, the image was also scanned using another AI detection platform, Sightengine. The results indicated a 96% probability that the image was generated using artificial intelligence.

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Conclusion:

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The research confirms that the viral image claiming to show Mohammed Siraj offering namaz during net practice, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill taking a selfie, is not real.The photograph has been created using AI tools and falsely shared on social media, misleading users by presenting a fabricated scene as an authentic moment.

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Introduction

In recent years, the city of Hyderabad/Cyberabad has emerged as a technology hub, a place with the strong presence of multi corporations, Startups, and research institutions, Hyderabad has become a hub of innovations and technological advancement. However, this growing land of cyber opportunities has also become a hub for cybercriminals as well. In this blog post, we shall explore the reasons why professionals are being targeted and the effects of cyber fraud on techies. Through this investigation, we hope to raise awareness about the seriousness of the problem as well as give vital insights and techniques for Cyberabad’s computer workers to defend themselves against cyber theft. We can work together to make Cyberabad’s technology ecosystem safer and more secure.

Defining Cyber Fraud

In today’s age, where everything has an interconnected digital world, cyber fraud cases are increasing daily. Cyber fraud encompasses a wide range of threats and techniques employed by bad actors, such as Phishing, Ransomware, identity theft, online scams, data breaches, and fake websites designed for users. The sophistication of cyber fraud techniques is constantly evolving, making it challenging for individuals and organisations to stay ahead. Cybercriminals use software vulnerabilities, social engineering tactics, and flaws in cybersecurity defences to carry out their harmful operations. Individuals and organisations must grasp these dangers and tactics to protect themselves against cyber fraud.

Impact of Cyber Frauds

The consequences of Falling victim to cyber fraud can be devastating, both personally and professionally. The emotional and financial toll on individuals may be a challenge. Identity theft may lead to damaged credit scores, fraudulent transactions, and years of recovery work to rehabilitate one’s image. Financial fraud can result in depleted bank accounts, unauthorised charges, and substantial monetary losses. Furthermore, being tricked and violated in the digital environment can generate anxiety, tension, and a lack of confidence.

The impact of cyber fraud goes beyond immediate financial losses and can have long-term consequences for individuals’ and organisations’ entire well-being and stability. As the threat environment evolves, it is critical for people and organisations to recognise the gravity of these repercussions and take proactive actions to protect themselves against cyber theft.

Why are Cyberabad Tech Professionals Targeted?

Tech professionals in Cyberabad are particularly vulnerable to cyber due to various factors. Firstly, their expertise and knowledge in technology make them attractive targets for cybercrooks. These professionals possess valuable coding, Software, and administration skills, making them attractive to cybercriminals.

Secondly, the nature of work often involves enormous use of technology, including regular internet contacts, email exchanges, and access to private information. This expanded digital presence exposes them to possible cyber dangers and makes them more vulnerable to fraudsters’ social engineering efforts. Furthermore, the fast-moving nature of the tech industry, with many deadlines and work pressure to deliver, can create a distraction. This can let them click on some malicious links or share sensitive information unknowingly all these factors let the cyber criminals exploit vulnerabilities.

Unveiling the Statistics

According to various reports, 80% of cyber fraud victims in Hyderabad are techies; the rest are the public targeted by cyber crooks. This surprising number emphasises the critical need to address the vulnerabilities and threats this specific segment within the IT community faces.

Going further into the data, we can acquire insights into the many forms of cyber fraud targeting tech workers, the strategies used by cybercriminals, and the impact these occurrences have on individuals and organisations. Examining precise features and patterns within data might give important information for developing successful preventative and protection methods.

Factors Contributing

Several reasons contribute to the elevated risk of cyber fraud among ICT professionals in Cyberabad. Understanding these aspects helps explain why this group is specifically targeted and may be more vulnerable to such assaults.

Technical Expertise: Tech workers frequently have specialised technical knowledge, but this knowledge may only sometimes extend to cybersecurity. Their primary concentration is writing software, designing systems, or implementing technologies, which may result in missing possible vulnerabilities or a lack of overall cybersecurity understanding.

Confidence in Technology: IT workers have a higher level of confidence in technology because of their knowledge and dependence on technology. This trust can sometimes make individuals more vulnerable to sophisticated frauds or social engineering approaches that prey on their faith in the services they utilise.

Time Constraints and Pressure: Tech workers frequently operate under tight deadlines and tremendous pressure to reach project milestones. This may result in hurried decision-making or disregarding possible warning signals of cyber fraud, rendering them more exposed to assaults that prey on time-sensitive circumstances.

Cybercriminals know that technology workers have valuable knowledge, trade secrets, and intellectual property that may be economically profitable. As a result, they are attractive targets for attacks aiming at stealing sensitive data or gaining unauthorised access to critical systems.

The best practices that cyber techies can apply to safeguard their personal and professional data by following these simple tips:

Strong Passwords: create a strong password, using passwords for all your online accounts and changing them regularly. Remember to use unique combinations!

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication): Enable MFA wherever possible. This provides an extra degree of protection by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code texted to your mobile device and your password.

Use Secured WiFi: Use secure and encrypted Wi-Fi networks, especially while viewing sensitive information. Avoid connecting to public or unprotected networks, as they can be readily exploited. Recognising Red Flags and Staying Ahead

Social Engineering: Be sceptical of unwanted solicitations or offers, both online and offline. Cybercriminals may try to persuade or fool you using social engineering tactics. Before revealing any personal or private information, think critically and confirm the veracity of the request.

Secure Web Browsing: Only browse trustworthy websites with valid SSL certificates (look for “https://” in the URL). Avoid clicking on strange links or downloading files from unknown sources since they may contain malware or ransomware.

Report Suspicious actions: If you encounter any suspicious or fraudulent actions, report them to the relevant authorities, such as the Cyber Crime Police or your organisation’s IT department. Reporting events can assist in avoiding additional harm and aid in identifying and apprehending hackers.

Stay Current on Security Practises: Stay up to speed on the newest cybersecurity risks and best practices. Follow credible sources, participate in cybersecurity forums or seminars, and remain current on new threats and preventative measures.

Conclusion

The rise in cybercrimes and fraud cases among tech experts in Cyberabad is a disturbing trend that requires prompt intervention. We can establish a safer tech cluster that lives on creativity, trust, and resilience by adopting proactive actions, raising awareness, and encouraging cooperation. Let us work together to prevent cybercrime and ensure the future of Cyberabad’s IT ecosystem.