#FactCheck - Viral Video of Man ‘Running on Water’ Found to Be AI-Generated
Executive Summary:
A video is being shared on social media showing a man running rapidly in a river with water bottles tied to both his feet. Users are circulating the video claiming that the man is attempting to run on water using the support of the bottles. CyberPeace’s research found the viral claim to be false. Our research revealed that the video being shared on social media is not real but has been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Claim :
The claim was shared by a Facebook user on February 5, 2026, who wrote that a man was running on water using water bottles tied to his feet, calling it a unique attempt and questioning whether humans can run on water. Links to the post, its archived version, and screenshots are provided below.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we searched relevant keywords on Google but did not find any credible media reports supporting the incident. A closer examination of the viral video revealed several visual irregularities, raising suspicion that it may have been AI-generated. The video was then scanned using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. According to the tool’s results, the video is 99 percent likely to be AI-generated.
Conclusion:
Our research confirms that the viral video does not depict a real incident and has been falsely shared as a genuine attempt to run on water.
Related Blogs
Executive Summary
A video clip bearing the logo of News18 is being widely shared on social media with the claim that a serving Indian Army brigadier and his son were attacked in Delhi by an RSS-supporting mob for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.” The clip features an anchor allegedly explaining the motive behind the assault. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false. The viral video has been digitally manipulated, with its audio altered to include misleading information.
Claim
An X user (@Mohammad776157) shared a video clip from Network18 on April 13, claiming that a serving Indian Army brigadier and his son were attacked in Delhi by an RSS-supporting mob for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.”
- https://x.com/Mohammad776157/status/2043691737609347166?s=20
- https://archive.ph/5EpbJ
To verify the claim, we extracted multiple keyframes from the viral video using the InVid tool and conducted reverse image searches via Google Lens. The same clip was found circulating across several social media platforms with similar claims.
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/2397972117364665
- https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXE4FFdjcnq/
- https://archive.ph/hjG3b
- https://archive.ph/9IkTY
Fact Check
Since the video carried the News18 logo, we examined the outlet’s official social media handles. We found the original video on its X account, where the visuals matched the viral clip. However, a detailed analysis of the original footage showed that the anchor never stated that the brigadier and his son were attacked for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.”
In the authentic version, the anchor reported that the assault took place in Delhi’s Vasant Enclave after the brigadier objected to two individuals consuming alcohol inside a car parked outside his residence. This clearly indicates that the audio in the viral clip was tampered with to insert a false narrative.
For further verification, we extracted the audio segment from the viral clip and analysed it using Resemble AI. The tool indicated that the portion describing the motive behind the attack had been digitally manipulated.
Conclusion
The viral claim is false. The video has been altered by modifying its audio to mislead viewers. In reality, the assault was not related to “Operation Sindoor” but occurred after the brigadier objected to public drinking near his residence.
Executive Summary
Amid rising tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, a video is circulating on social media claiming that Burj Khalifa in Dubai has been attacked. The clip is being widely shared with users alleging that a strike took place near the iconic skyscraper. However, research by CyberPeace found the claim to be misleading. Our research revealed that the viral video is not real and was generated using artificial intelligence.
Claim
On March 1, 2026, a Facebook user shared the viral clip claiming that an attack had taken place in Dubai. The post was shared with the caption: “Dubai has been attacked.” The link to the post and its archive is provided below along with a screenshot.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first searched Google using relevant keywords. During this process, we found a report published on March 1, 2026, by the Indian news outlet Dainik Bhaskar.
According to the report, tensions in the Middle East escalated amid the Israel–Iran conflict, impacting several countries in the region. A drone incident reportedly occurred near Burj Khalifa, prompting authorities to evacuate the building as a precautionary measure and temporarily switch off its lights. However, the visuals seen in the viral video do not match the details or imagery described in the report. Upon closely examining the viral clip, we noticed several technical inconsistencies and unusual visual elements, raising suspicions that the video might have been generated using artificial intelligence. To verify this, we analyzed the video using the AI detection tool Sightengine. The results indicated a 99% probability that the video was AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral video circulating on social media is not authentic. The footage was created using artificial intelligence and does not depict a real attack on Burj Khalifa.
On the occasion of 20th edition of Safer Internet Day 2023, CyberPeace in collaboration with UNICEF, DELNET, NCERT, and The National Book Trust (NBT), India, took steps towards safer cyberspace by launching iSafe Multimedia Resources, CyberPeace TV, and CyberPeace Café in an event held today in Delhi.
CyberPeace also showcased its efforts, in partnership with UNICEF, to create a secure and peaceful online world through its Project iSafe, which aims to bridge the knowledge gap between emerging advancements in cybersecurity and first responders. Through Project iSafe, CyberPeace has successfully raised awareness among law enforcement agencies, education departments, and frontline workers across various fields. The event marked a significant milestone in the efforts of the foundation to create a secure and peaceful online environment for everyone.
Launching the Cyberpeace TV, café and isafe material , National Cybersecurity coordinator of Govt of India, Lt Gen Rajesh Pant interacts with the students by introducing them with the theme of this safer internet day. He launched the coword cyber challenge initiative by the countries. Content is most important in cyberspace. He also assured everyone that the government of India is taking a lot of steps at national level to make cyber space safer. He compliments CPF for their initiatives.
Ms. Zafrin Chaudhry, Chief of Communication, UNICEF addresses students with the facts that children make out 1 out of 3 in cyberspace, so they should have a safe cyberspace. They should be informed and equipped with all the information on how to deal with any kind of issues they face in cyberspace. They should share their experience with everyone to make others aware. UNICEF in partnership with CPF is extending help to children to equip them with the help and information.
Major Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President of CPF welcomed all and introduced us about the launching of iSafe Multimedia Resources, CyberPeace TV, and CyberPeace Café . With this launch he threw some light on upcoming plans like launching a learning module of metaverse with AR and VR. He wants to make cyberspace safe even in tier 3 cities that’s why he established the first cybercafé in Ranchi.
As the internet plays a crucial role in our lives, CyberPeace has taken action to combat potential cyber threats. They introduced CyberPeace TV, the world’s first multilingual TV Channel on Jio TV focusing on Education and Entertainment, a comprehensive online platform that provides the latest in cybersecurity news, expert analysis, and a community for all stakeholders in the field. CyberPeace also launched its first CyberPeace Café for creators and innovators and released the iSafe Multimedia resource containing Flyers, Posters, E hand book and handbook on digital safety for children developed jointly by CyberPeace, UNICEF and NCERT for the public.
O.P. Singh, Former DGP, UP Police & CEO Kailash Satyarthi foundation, , started with the data of internet users in India. The Internet is used in day-to -day activities nowadays and primarily in social media. Students should have a channelized approach to cyberspace like fixed screen time, information to the right content, and usage of the internet. I really appreciate the initiates that CyberPeace is taking in this direction.
The celebration continued by iSafe Panel Discussion on “Creating Safer Cyberspace for Children.” The discussion was moderated by Dr. Sangeeta Kaul, Director of DELNET, and was attended by panellists Mr. Rakesh Maheshwari from MeitY(Ministry of electronics and information Technology, Govt. of India), Dr. Indu Kumar from CIET-NCERT, Ms. Bindu Sharma from ICMEC, and Major Vineet Kumar from CyberPeace.
The event was also graced by professional artists from the National School of Drama, who performed Nukkad Natak and Qawwali based on cyber security themes. Students from SRDAV school also entertained the audience with their performances. The attendees were also given a platform to share their experiences with online security issues, and ICT Awardees, Parents and iSafe Champions shared their insights with the guests. The event also had stalls by CyberPeace Corps, a Global volunteer initiative, and CIET-NCERT for students to explore and join the cause. The event’s highlight was the 360 Selfie Booth, where attendees lined up to have their turn.
