#FactCheck- Old Dubai Flood Videos Falsely Shared as Recent Storm Footage

Executive Summary

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A post is rapidly going viral on social media claiming to show Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Ishan Kishan, CEO Kavya Maran, and the team seeking blessings in front of a portrait of Jesus Christ at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium before a match. The image is being shared as a genuine pre-match moment. However, research by the CyberPeace found that the viral image is not real but generated using artificial intelligence (AI). There are no credible media reports or official updates from Sunrisers Hyderabad confirming any such pre-match activity. Further analysis using multiple AI detection tools also indicated that the image is likely synthetic. Therefore, the claim made in the viral post is false.

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Claim

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A Facebook user shared the image with the caption:“Preparation starts from within. Before taking the field at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and the SRH squad seek blessings. With Kavya Maran and the team united in faith, the Orange Army is ready for battle!”

• https://archive.ph/wip/dtbZ0 
• https://www.facebook.com/13CricketNews/posts/preparation-starts-from-within-before-taking-the-field-at-the-rajiv-gandhi-stadi/1790225659038036/ 

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Fact Check

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A close inspection of the viral image revealed several inconsistencies. A cooler box in the image bears a sticker of Mumbai Indians, even though Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad had not played each other in IPL 2026 at the time implied by the claim. Their scheduled match is set for April 29, 2026, at Wankhede Stadium, not at the Hyderabad venue shown in the image.

• https://www.iplt20.com/teams/sunrisers-hyderabad/schedule

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Additionally, the image incorrectly displays Dream11 as the title sponsor for SRH, whereas Shree Cement is the official title sponsor for the IPL 2026 season.
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• https://www.instagram.com/p/DVdHfcek9cg/

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To further verify authenticity, the image was analysed using AI detection tools. Hive Moderation assigned it a 99.9% probability of being AI-generated, strongly indicating that it is not genuine.

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Conclusion

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The viral claim is false. The image showing Sunrisers Hyderabad players and their CEO praying before a match is AI-generated and does not depict a real event. It has been circulated with a misleading narrative and lacks any factual basis.

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Introduction

The Supreme Court of India recently ruled that telecom companies cannot be debarred from reissuing the deactivated numbers to a new subscriber. Notably, such reallocation of deactivated numbers is allowed only after the expiration of the period of 90 days. The Apex Court of India also mentioned that it is the responsibility of the user to delete their associated data with their number or any WhatsApp account data to ensure privacy. The  Centre has recently also blocked 22 apps which were part of unlawful operations including betting and money laundering. Meanwhile, in the digital landscape, the Intervention of legislature and judiciary is playing a key role in framing policies or coming up with guidelines advocating for a true cyber-safe India.  The government initiatives are encouraging the responsible use of technologies and Internet-availed services. 

Supreme Court stated that  telecom companies cannot be barred from reissuing deactivated numbers

Taking note of a petition before the Supreme Court of India, seeking direction from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to instruct mobile service providers to stop issuing deactivated mobile numbers, the Apex Court dismissed it by stating that mobile service providers in India are allowed to allocate the deactivated numbers to new users or subscribers but only after 90 days from the deactivation of the number. 

A concern of Breach of Confidential Data

The Court further stated, “It is for the earlier subscriber to take adequate steps to ensure that privacy is maintained.” stating that it is the responsibility of the user to delete their WhatsApp account attached to the previous phone number and erase their data. The Court further added that users need to be aware of the Supreme Court ruling that once the number is deactivated for non-use and disconnection, it can not be reallocated before the expiry of the 90-day period of such deactivation. However, after the allotted time passes, such reallocation of numbers to a new user is allowed.   

MEITY issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps & websites

The government of India has been very critical in safeguarding Indian cyberspace by banning and blocking various websites and apps that have been operating illegally by scamming/dupping people of huge sums of money and also committing cyber crimes like data breaches. In recent developments, the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (Meity), on November 5, 2023, banned 22 apps including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro. The Centre has taken this decision on recommendations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). ED raids on the Mahadev book app in Chattisgarh also revealed unlawful operations. This investigation has been underway for the past few months by the ED.

Applicable laws to prevent money laundering and the power of government to block such websites and apps

On the other hand, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 is a legislation already in place which aims to prevent and prosecute cases of money laundering. The government also has the power to block or recommend shutting down websites and apps under section 69A of the Information and Technology Act, 2000, under some specific condition as enumerated in the same.

Conclusion

In the evolving digital landscape, cyberspace covers several aspects while certain regulations or guidelines are required for smooth and secure functioning.  We sometimes change our phone numbers or deactivate them, hence, it is significantly important to delete the data associated with the phone number or any such social media account data attached to it. Hence, such a number is eligible for reallocation to a new or early subscriber after the expiration of a period of 90 days from such deactivation. On the other hand, the centre has also blocked the websites or apps that were found to be part of illegal operations including betting and money laundering. Users have also been advised not to misuse the Internet-availed services. Hence, trying to create a lawful and safe Internet environment for all. 

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References:

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cant-bar-telecom-companies-from-reissuing-deactivated-numbers-says-supreme-court/articleshow/104993401.cms
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1974901#:~:text=Ministry%20of%20Electronics%20and%20Information,including%20Mahadev%20Book%20and%20Reddyannaprestopro 

The more ease and dependency the internet slithers into our lives, the more obscure parasites linger on with it, menacing our privacy and data. Among these digital parasites, cyber espionage, hacking, and ransom have never failed to grab the headlines. These hostilities carried out by cyber criminals, corporate juggernauts and several state and non-state actors lend them unlimited access to the customers’ data damaging the digital fabric and wellbeing of netizens. 

As technology continues to evolve, so does the need for robust safety measures. To tackle these emerging challenges, Korea based Samsung Electronics has introduced a cutting-edge security tool called Auto Blocker.  Introduced in the One UI 6 Update, Auto Blocker boasts an array of additional security features, granting users the ability to customize their device's security as per their requirements Also known as ‘advanced sandbox’ or ‘Virtual Quarantine’. Sandboxing is a safety measure for separating running programs to prevent spread of digital vulnerabilities. It prohibits automatic execution of malicious code embedded in images. This shield now extends to third-party apps like WhatsApp and Facebook messenger, providing better resilience against cyber-attacks in all Samsung devices.  

Matter of Choice 

Dr. Seungwon Shin, EVP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, emphasizes the significance of user safety. He stated “At Samsung, we constantly strive to keep our users safe from security attacks, and with the introduction of Auto Blocker, users can continue to enjoy the benefits of our open ecosystem, knowing that their mobile experience is secured.” 

Auto Blocker is a matter of choice. It's not a cookie cutter solution; instead, its USP is the ability to customize security measures of your device. The Auto Blocker can be accessed through device’s setting, and is activated via toggle. 

Your personal Digital Armor 

One of Auto Blocker's salient features is its ability to prevent bloatware (unnecessary apps) from installing in the devices from unknown sources which is called sideloading. While sideloading provides greater scope of control and better customization, it also exposes users to potential threats, such as malicious file downloads. The proactive approach of Auto Blocker disables sideloading by default.  Auto Blocker serves as an extra line of defense, especially against gruesome social engineering attacks such as voice Phishing (Vhishing).  The app has an essential tool called ‘Message Guard’, engineered to combat Zero Click attacks. These complicated attacks are executed when a message containing an image is viewed. 

The Auto Blocker also offers a wide variety of new controls to enhance device’s safety, including security scans to detect malwares. Additionally, Auto Blocker prevents the installation of malwares via USB cable. This ensures the device's security even when someone gains physical access to it, such as when the device is being charged in a public place.

Raising the Bar for Cyber Security

Auto Blocker testifies Samsung's unwavering commitment to the safety and privacy of its users. It acts an essential part of Samsung's security suite and privacy innovations, improving overall mobile experience within the Galaxy’s ecosystem. It provides a safer mobile experience while allowing user superior control over their device's protection. In comparison. Apple offers a more standardized approach to privacy and security with emphasis on user friendly design and closed ecosystem. Samsung disables sideloading to combat threats, while Apple is more flexible in this regard on macOS.

In this dynamic digital space, the Auto Blocker offers a tool to maintain cyber peace and resilience. It protects from a broad spectrum of digital hostilities while allowing us to embrace the new digital ecosystem crafted by Galaxy. It's a security feature that puts you in control, allowing you to determine how you fortify your digital fort to safeguard your device against digital specters like zero clicks, voice phishing (Vishing) and malware downloads 

Samsung’s new product emerges as impenetrable armor shielding users against cyber hostilities. With its new customizable security feature with Galaxy Ecosystem, it allows users to exercise greater control over their digital space, promoting more secure and peaceful cyberspace. 

Reference:

HT News Desk. (2023, November 1). Samsung unveils new Auto Blocker feature to protect devices. How does it work? Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/samsung-unveils-new auto-blocker-feature to-protect-devices-how-does-it-work 101698805574773.html