#FactCheck – False Claim of Lord Ram's Hologram in Srinagar - Video Actually from Dehradun

Introduction

Your iPhone isn’t just a device: it’s a central hub for almost everything in your life. From personal photos and videos to sensitive data, it holds it all. You rely on it for essential services, from personal to official communications, sharing of information, banking and financial transactions, and more. With so much critical information stored on your device, protecting it from cyber threats becomes essential. This is where the iOS Lockdown Mode feature comes in as a digital bouncer to keep cyber crooks at bay.

Apple introduced the ‘lockdown’ mode in 2022. It is a new optional security feature and is available on iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices. It works as an extreme and optional protection mechanism for a certain segment of users who might be at a higher risk of being targeted by serious cyber threats and intrusions into their digital security.  So people like journalists, activists, government officials, celebrities, cyber security professionals, law enforcement professionals, and lawyers etc are some of the intended beneficiaries of the feature. Sometimes the data on their devices can be highly confidential and it can cause a lot of disruption if leaked or compromised by cyber threats. Given how prevalent cyber attacks are in this day and age, the need for such a feature cannot be overstated. This feature aims at providing an additional firewall by limiting certain functions of the device and hence reducing the chances of the user being targeted in any digital attack. 

How to Enable Lockdown Mode in Your iPhone

On your iPhone running on iOS 16 Developer Beta 3, you just need to go to Settings - Privacy and Security - Lockdown Mode. Tap on Turn on Lockdown Mode, and read all the information regarding the features that will be unavailable on your device if you go forward, and if you’re satisfied with the same all you have to do is scroll down and tap on Turn on Lockdown Mode. Your iPhone will get restarted with Lockdown Mode enabled. 

Easy steps to enable lockdown mode are as follows:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down, tap Lockdown Mode, then tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.

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How Lockdown Mode Protects You

Lockdown Mode is a security feature that prevents certain apps and features from functioning properly when enabled. For example, your device will not automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks without security and will disconnect from a non-secure network when Lockdown Mode is activated. Many other features may be affected because the system will prioritise security standards above the typical operational functions. Since lockdown mode restricts certain features and activities, one can exclude a particular app or website in Safari from being impacted and limited by restrictions. Only exclude trusted apps or websites if necessary.

References:

1. https://support.apple.com/en-in/105120#:~:text=Tap%20Privacy%20%26%20Security.,then%20enter%20your%20device%20passcode
2. https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/apple-lockdown-mode-what-is-it-and-how-it-prevents-spyware-attacks-124041200667_1.html

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Executive Summary:

A video gone viral on Facebook claims Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsed the government’s new investment project.  The video has been widely shared. However, our research indicates that the video has been AI altered and is being used to spread misinformation.

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Claim: 

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The claim in this video suggests that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is endorsing an automotive system that promises daily earnings of ₹15,00,000 with an initial investment of ₹21,000.

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Fact Check:

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To check the genuineness of the claim, we used the keyword search for “Nirmala Sitharaman investment program” but we haven’t found any investment related scheme. We observed that the lip movements appeared unnatural and did not align perfectly with the speech, leading us to suspect that the video may have been AI-manipulated.

When we reverse searched the video which led us to this DD News live-stream of Sitharaman’s press conference after presenting the Union Budget on February 1, 2025. Sitharaman never mentioned any investment or trading platform during the press conference, showing that the viral video was digitally altered. Technical analysis using Hive moderator further found that the viral clip is Manipulated by voice cloning.

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Conclusion:

The viral video on social media shows Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing the government’s new investment project as completely voice cloned, manipulated and false. This highlights the risk of online manipulation, making it crucial to verify news with credible sources before sharing it. With the growing risk of AI-generated misinformation, promoting media literacy is essential in the fight against false information.

• Claim: Fake video falsely claims FM Nirmala Sitharaman endorsed an investment scheme.
• Claimed On: Social Media
• Fact Check: False and Misleading 

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Introduction

The Information Technology (IT) Ministry has tested a new parental control app called ‘SafeNet’ that is intended to be pre-installed in all mobile phones, laptops and personal computers (PCs). The government's approach shows collaborative efforts by involving cooperation between Internet service providers (ISPs), the Department of School Education, and technology manufacturers to address online safety concerns. Campaigns and the proposed SafeNet application aim to educate parents about available resources for online protection and safeguarding their children.

The Need for SafeNet App

SafeNet Trusted Access is an access management and authentication service that ensures no user is a target by allowing you to expand authentication to all users and apps with diverse authentication capabilities. SafeNet is, therefore, an arsenal of tools, each meticulously crafted to empower guardians in the art of digital parenting. With the finesse of a master weaver, it intertwines content filtering with the vigilant monitoring of live locations, casting a protective net over the vulnerable online experiences of the children. The ability to oversee calls and messages adds another layer of security, akin to a watchful sentinel standing guard over the gates of communication. Some pointers regarding the parental control app that can be taken into consideration are as follows.

1.   Easy to use and set up: The app should be useful, intuitive, and easy to use. The interface plays a significant role in achieving this goal. The setup process should be simple enough for parents to access the app without any technical issues. Parents should be able to modify settings and monitor their children's activity with ease.

2.   Privacy and data protection: Considering the sensitive nature of children's data, strong privacy and data protection measures are paramount. From the app’s point of view, strict privacy standards include encryption protocols, secure data storage practices, and transparent data handling policies with the right of erasure to protect and safeguard the children's personal information from unauthorized access.

3.   Features for Time Management: Effective parental control applications frequently include capabilities for regulating screen time and establishing use limitations. The app will evaluate if the software enables parents to set time limits for certain applications or devices, therefore promoting good digital habits and preventing excessive screen time.

4.   Comprehensive Features of SafeNet: The app's commitment to addressing the multifaceted aspects of online safety is reflected in its robust features. It allows parents to set content filters with surgical precision, manage the time their children spend in the digital world, and block content that is deemed age-inappropriate. This reflects a deep understanding of the digital ecosystem's complexities and the varied threats that lurk within its shadows.

5.   Adaptable to the needs of the family: In a stroke of ingenuity, SafeNet offers both parent and child versions of the app for shared devices. This adaptability to diverse family dynamics is not just a nod to inclusivity but a strategic move that enhances its usability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. It acknowledges the unique tapestry of family structures and the need for tools that are as flexible and dynamic as the families they serve.

6.   Strong Support From Government: The initiative enjoys a chorus of support from both government and industry stakeholders, a symphony of collaboration that underscores the collective commitment to the cause. Recommendations for the pre-installation of SafeNet on devices by an industry consortium resonate with the directives from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO),creating a harmonious blend of policy and practice. The involvement of major telecommunications players and Internet service providers underscores the industry's recognition of the importance of such initiatives, emphasising a collaborative approach towards deploying digital safeguarding measures at scale.

Recommendations

The efforts by the government to implement parental controls a recommendable as they align with societal goals of child welfare and protection. This includes providing parents with tools to manage and monitor their children's Internet usage to address concerns about inappropriate content and online risks. The following suggestions are made to further support the government's initiative:

1.    The administration can consider creating a verification mechanism similar to how identities are verified when mobile SIMS are issued. While this certainly makes for a longer process, it will help address concerns about the app being misused for stalking and surveillance if it is made available to everyone as a default on all digital devices.

2.    Parental controls are available on several platforms and are designed to shield, not fetter. Finding the right balance between protection and allowing for creative exploration is thus crucial to ensuring children develop healthy digital habits while fostering their curiosity and learning potential. It might be helpful to the administration to establish updated policies that prioritise the privacy-protection rights of children so that there is a clear mandate on how and to what extent the app is to be used.

3.    Policy reforms can be further supported through workshops, informational campaigns, and resources that educate parents and children about the proper use of the app, the concept of informed consent, and the importance of developing healthy, transparent communication between parents and children.

Conclusion

Safety is a significant step towards child protection and development. Children have to rely on adults for protection and cannot identify or sidestep risk. In this context, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasises the matter of protection efforts for children, which notes that children have the "right to protection". Therefore, the parental safety app will lead to significant concentration on the general well-being and health of the children besides preventing drug misuse. On the whole, while technological solutions can be helpful, one also needs to focus on educating people on digital safety, responsible Internet use, and parental supervision.  

References

• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/itministry-tests-parental-control-app-progress-to-be-reviewed-today-101710702452265.html
• https://www.htsyndication.com/ht-mumbai/article/it-ministry-tests-parental-control-app%2C-progress-to-be-reviewed-today/80062127
• https://www.varindia.com/news/it-ministry-to-evaluate-parental-control-software
• https://www.medianama.com/2024/03/223-indian-government-to-incorporate-parental-controls-in-data-usage/

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