#FactCheck - Viral Video Claiming to Show Kashmir Avalanche Is AI-Generated
Executive Summary
A video is being shared on social media claiming to show an avalanche in Kashmir. The caption of the post alleges that the incident occurred on February 6. Several users sharing the video are also urging people to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly regions. CyberPeace’s research found that the video being shared as footage of a Kashmir avalanche is not real. The research revealed that the viral video is AI-generated.
Claim
The video is circulating widely on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, with users claiming it shows an avalanche in Kashmir on February 6. The archived version of the post can be accessed here. Similar posts were also found online. (Links and archived links provided)
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we searched relevant keywords on Google. During this process, we found a video posted on the official Instagram account of the BBC. The BBC post reported that an avalanche occurred near a resort in Sonamarg, Kashmir, on January 27. However, the BBC post does not contain the viral video that is being shared on social media, indicating that the circulating clip is unrelated to the real incident.
A close examination of the viral video revealed several inconsistencies. For instance, during the alleged avalanche, people present at the site are not seen panicking, running for cover, or moving toward safer locations. Additionally, the movement and flow of the falling snow appear unnatural. Such visual anomalies are commonly observed in videos generated using artificial intelligence. As part of the research , the video was analyzed using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. The tool indicated a 99.9% probability that the video was AI-generated.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence gathered during our research , it is clear that the video being shared as footage of a Kashmir avalanche is not genuine. The clip is AI-generated and misleading. The viral claim is therefore false.
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Introduction
In the contemporary information environment, misinformation has emerged as a subtle yet powerful force capable of shaping public perception, influencing behavior, and undermining institutional credibility. Unlike overt falsehoods, misinformation often gains traction because it appears authentic, familiar, and authoritative. The rapid circulation of content through digital platforms has intensified this challenge, allowing altered or misleading material to reach wide audiences before verification mechanisms can respond. When misinformation mimics official communication, its impact becomes especially concerning, as citizens tend to place implicit trust in documents that carry the appearance of state authority. This growing vulnerability of public information systems was illustrated by the calendar incident in Himachal Pradesh in January 2026.
The calendar incident of Himachal Pradesh in January 2026 shows how a small lie can lead to large social and governance problems. A person whose identity is still unknown posted a modified version of the Government Calendar 2026, changing the official dates and resulting in public confusion and reputational damage to the Printing and Stationery Department. The incident may not appear very serious at first sight, but it indicates a deeper systemic issue. Misinformation is posing increasing dangers to public information ecosystems, especially when official documents are misrepresented and disseminated through digital platforms.
Misinformation as a Governance Challenge
Government calendars and official documents are necessary for public awareness and administrative coordination, and their manipulation impedes the credibility of institutions and the trustworthiness of governance. In Himachal Pradesh, modified dates might have led to confusion regarding public holidays, interference in school and administrative planning, and misinformation among the people. Such misinformation is a direct interference in the social contract that exists between the citizens and the State, where accurate information is the foundation of trust, compliance, and participation.
Impact on Citizens: Confusion, Distrust, and Digital Fatigue
For the general public, the dissemination of fake government information leads to a situation where people are confused and, at the same time, lose their trust in the government communication channels. If someone continuously gets to see the changed or misleading information misrepresented as credible, that person will find it hard to differentiate the truth from lies in the end.
This results in:
- Decision paralysis occurs when the public cannot make up their minds and either postpones or refrains from action due to the doubts they have
- Erosion of trust, not only in one department but also in the whole government communications department
- Digital fatigue occurs when people stop following public information completely, since they think that all content can be unreliable
Misinformation in a digital society is not limited to one platform only. It spreads quickly through direct messaging apps, community groups, and social networks, thus creating greater confusion among people before the official clarifications can reach the same audience.
Institutional Harm and Reputational Damage
The intentional tampering with official documents is not only a violation of ethics but also a crime and an immoral act from a governance perspective. The Printing and Stationery Department noted that such practices tarnish the public image of government bodies, which are based on accuracy, neutrality, and trust.
When untrue material gets to be known as official content:
- Departments have to communicate reactively.
- Money and manpower that could have been used for the normal administrative work are now spent on the control of the situation.
The registration of a First Information Report (FIR) in this matter is an indication of the gradual shift in the perception of law enforcement agencies that misinformation is not a playful act but rather a technology-assisted crime with serious consequences.
The Role of Verifiable Information and Trusted Sources
Such occurrences stress the need for trustworthy information as well as confirmed sources to be at the centre of the digital era. It should be the responsibility of the authorities to lead the citizens to practice and ENABLING to depend on official websites, verified social media accounts, government portals, and press releases for authentication.
Platform Responsibility and Digital Literacy
The spread of misinformation poses a significant challenge for social media platforms, which frequently amplify highly engaging content. There are some ways that the social media networks can try to limit the damage, and these are: tagging of non-verified material, limiting the sharing and working with authorities in the area of fact-checking support. However, one more thing which is crucial here is ‘public knowledge’ about digital platforms, as even unintentional dissemination of fake “official” materials can lead to legal and social repercussions. The advice of the Himachal state government is a good thing, but constantly informing the public is still a requirement.
Legal Accountability as a Deterrent
The active participation of the Cyber Crime Cells unequivocally indicates that digital misinformation, especially involving government documents, will face severe consequences. The establishment of legal responsibility acts as a preventive measure and reiterates the notion that the right to speak one's mind does not cover the right to lie or undermine public institutions. Nonetheless, to have an effective enforcement, it has to be accompanied by preventive actions such as good communication, strong governance, and public trust-building. Consistent enforcement against digital misinformation can contribute to greater accountability within society. Digital Literacy programs should be conducted periodically for netizens and institutions.
Conclusion
The incident of the creation of fake calendars in Himachal Pradesh served as a signal for the authorities to adopt accurate communication strategies. The ratification of misinformation can be achieved only if there is shared participation of governments, digital platforms, citizens and civil societies. The main goal of all this is to maintain public trust and the dissemination of information in democratic processes.
Introduction
Holi 2025 is just around the corner. In fact, in the Braj region, Mathura and Vrindavan, the celebrations have already begun, starting from Basant Panchami on 2nd February 2025. Temples in Vrindavan are sprinkling flowers on devotees, creating mesmerising scenes with the spirit of devotion. While cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, etc., are all set, with pre-bookings for Holi events, parties and music festivals.
However, in the current digital era, cybercriminals attempt to conduct manipulative campaigns to deceive innocent people. They attempt to send fake cashback offers, freebies, lucrative deals, giveaways, and phishing scams under the guise of Holi deals and offers. The upcoming festival of colors requires you to know the warning signs so you can remain alert and safeguard against digital scams.
How Scammers Might Target You
Holi is a time for joy, colors, and celebrations, but cybercriminals see it as the perfect opportunity to trick people into falling for scams. With increased online shopping, event bookings, and digital transactions, scammers exploit the festive mood to steal money and personal information. Here are some common Holi-related cyber scams and how they operate:
- Exclusive Fake Holi Offers
Scammers send out promotional messages via WhatsApp, SMS, or email claiming to offer exclusive Holi discounts. For example, you might receive a message like:
"Get 70% off on Holi color packs! Limited-time deal! Click here to order now."
However, clicking the link leads to a fraudulent website designed to steal your card details or make unauthorized transactions.
- Fake Holi Cashback Offers
You may get an SMS that reads:
"Congratulations! You’ve won ₹500 cashback for your Holi purchases. Claim now by clicking this link."
The link may take you to a phishing page that asks for your UPI PIN or bank login credentials, allowing scammers to siphon off your money.
- Fake Quizzes to Win Freebies
Scammers circulate links to Holi-themed quizzes or surveys promising free gifts like branded clothing, sweets, or smart gadgets. These often ask users to enter personal details such as phone numbers, email addresses, or even Aadhaar numbers. Once entered, the scammers misuse this information for identity theft or further phishing attempts.
- Fake Social Media Giveaways
Many fraudsters create fake Instagram and Facebook pages mimicking well-known brands, announcing contests with tempting prizes. For example:
"Holi Giveaway! Win a free Bluetooth speaker or chance to win smartphone by following us and sending a small registration fee!"
Once you pay, the page disappears, leaving you with nothing but regret.
- Targeted Phishing Scams
During Holi, phishing attempts surge as scammers disguise themselves as banks, e-wallet services, or e-commerce platforms. You might receive an email with a subject like:
"Urgent: Your Holi order needs confirmation, update your details now!"
The email contains a fake link that, when clicked, prompts you to enter sensitive login information, which the scammers then use to access your account.
- Clickbait Links on Social Media
Cybercriminals circulate enticing headlines such as:
"This New Holi Color Is Banned – Find Out Why!"
These links often lead to malware-infected pages that compromise your device security or steal browsing data.
- Bogus Online Booking Platforms
With many people looking for Holi event tickets or holiday stays, scammers set up fake booking websites. Imagine you come across a site advertising "Holi Pool Party – Entry Just INR 299!" you eagerly make the payment, only to find out later that the event never existed.
How to Stay Safe This Festive Season
- Verify offers directly from official websites instead of clicking on random links.
- Avoid sharing personal or banking details on unfamiliar platforms.
- Look for HTTPS in website URLs before making any payments.
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages, even if they appear to be from known contacts.
- If an offer seems too good to be true, it it is likely a scam or deception.
Conclusion:
As Holi 2025 approaches, make sure your online security remains a priority. Keep an eye on potential frauds that attempt to take advantage of the festive seasons like Holi. Protect yourself against various cyber threats. Before engaging with any Internet content, prioritize the verification of sources. Let us safeguard our celebrations with critical cyber security precautions. Wishing you all a cyber-safe and Happy Holi 2025!
Executive Summary
A video showing a snake crawling on the wing of an aircraft during a flight is being widely circulated on social media. The video is being shared with the claim that the sighting of a snake on the aircraft wing caused panic among passengers and crew members during the flight. Several users are sharing the video as a genuine incident. CyberPeace Research Wing ’s research found the viral claim to be misleading. The research revealed that the video does not show a real incident and was created using artificial intelligence (AI).
Claim:
A Facebook user shared the viral video on July 26, 2026, claiming that a snake was spotted on an aircraft during a flight, causing panic. The post stated, “Snake spotted on aircraft during flight, video goes viral!”
The link to the post, archive link and screenshot are provided below:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2845827375780035
Factcheck
To verify the authenticity of the viral video, the Desk analysed several key frames from the footage and conducted a reverse image search.
However, no credible news report, official information, or reliable source was found linking the video to any real incident involving a snake on an aircraft during a flight.
Upon closely examining the video, the Desk suspected that it may have been generated using AI. To verify this, the video was analysed using the AI detection tool HIVE Moderation. The tool’s analysis also indicated that the video was likely AI-generated, suggesting that it does not depict an actual incident.
As part of further verification, the key frames of the video were also examined using another AI detection tool, Sightengine. The tool’s analysis indicated a 99 per cent probability that the visuals were AI-generated.
Conclusion:
The research established that the viral video does not show a real incident of a snake crawling on an aircraft wing during a flight. The video was created using artificial intelligence (AI) and is being circulated on social media with a misleading claim.
