#FactCheck: AI-Edited Video Falsely Attributes Remarks on China’s Control in Arunachal Pradesh to Army Officer Girish Kalia

Smart Wearable devices are designed to track several activities in defined parameters and are increasingly becoming a part of everyday life. According to Markets and Markets Report, the global wearable tech market is projected to reach a staggering USD 256.4 billion by 2026. One of the main areas of use of wearable devices is health, including biomedical research, health care, personal health practices and tracking, technology development, and engineering. These wearable devices often include digital health technologies such as consumer smartwatches that monitor an individual's heart rate and step count, and other body-worn sensors like those that continuously monitor blood glucose concentration. 

Wearable devices used by the general population are getting increasingly popular. Health devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches enable continuous monitoring of personal health. Privacy is an emerging concern due to the real-time collection of sensitive data. Vulnerabilities due to unauthorised access or discrimination in case of information being revealed without consent are the primary concerns with these devices. While these concerns are present a lot of related misinformation is emerging due to the same. 

While wearable devices typically come with terms of use that outline how data is collected and used, and there are regulations in place such as EU Law GDPR, such regulations largely govern the regulatory compliances on the handling of personal data, however, the implementation and compliances by the manufacturer is a one another aspect which might present the question on privacy protection. In addition, beyond the challenge of regulatory compliance, the rise of myths and misinformation surrounding wearable tech presents a separate issue. 

Common Misconceptions About Privacy with Wearable Tech

• With the rapid development and growth of wearable technology their use has been subject to countless rumours which fuel misinformation narratives in the minds of general public. Addressing these misconceptions and privacy concerns requires targeted strategies.
• A prevalent misconception is that they are constantly spying on users. While wearable devices collect users’ data in real time, their vulnerability to unauthorised access is similar to that of a non-wearable device.  The issue is of consent when it comes to wearable technology because it gives the ability to record.  If permissions are not asked when a person is being recorded then the data is accessible to external entities.
• There is a common myth that wearable tech is surveillance tool. This is entirely a conjecture. These devices collect the user data with their prior consent and have been created to provide them with real-time information, most commonly physical health information. Since users choose the information shared, the idea of wearable tech serving as a surveillance tool is unfounded.
• Another misconception about wearable tech is that it can diagnose medical conditions. These devices collect real-time health data, such as heart rate or activity levels, they are not designed for medical diagnosis. The data collected may not always be accurate or reliable for clinical use to be interpreted by a healthcare professional. This is mainly because the makers of these devices are not held to the safety and liability standards that medical providers are.
• A prevalent misconception is that wearable tech can cure health issues, which is simply untrue. Wearable tech devices are essentially tracking the health parameters that a user sets. It in no way is a cure for any health issue that one suffers from. A user can manage their health based on the parameters they set on the device such as the number of steps that they walk, check on the heart rate and other metrics for their mental satisfaction but they are not a cure to treat diseases. Wearable tech acts as alerts, notifying users of important health metrics and encouraging proactive health management.

Addressing Privacy and Health Concerns in Wearable Tech

Wearable technology raises concerns for privacy and health due to the colossal amount of personal data collected. To address these, strong data protection measures are essential, ensuring that sensitive health information is securely stored and shared only with consent. Providing users with control over their data is one of the ways to build user trust. It includes enabling them to opt in, access, or delete the data in question. Regulators should establish clear guidelines, ensuring wearables ensure the compliances with data protection regulations like HIPPA, GDPR or DPDP Act, whichever is applicable as per the jurisdiction. Furthermore, global standards for data encryption, device security, and user privacy should be implemented to mitigate risks. Transparency in data usage and consistent updates to software security are also crucial for protecting users' privacy and health while promoting the responsible use of wearable tech.

CyberPeace Insights

• Making informed decisions about wearable tech starts with thorough research. Start by reading reviews and comparing products to assess their features, compatibility, and security standards. 
• Investigate the manufacturer’s reputation for data protection and device longevity. Understanding device capabilities is crucial. One should evaluate whether the wearable meets their needs, such as fitness tracking, health monitoring, or communication features. Consider software security and updates, and data accuracy when comparing options.  Opt for devices that offer two-factor authentication for an additional layer of security.
• Check the permissions requested by the accompanying app; only grant access to data that is necessary for the device's functionality. Always read the terms of use to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding the use of the device. Review and customize data-sharing settings for better control to prevent unauthorised access.
• Staying updated on the tech is equally important. A user should follow the advancements in wearable technology be it regular security updates, or regulatory changes that may affect privacy and usability. This ensures getting tech that aligns with user lifestyle while meeting privacy and security expectations.

Conclusion

Privacy and Misinformation are key concerns that emerge due to the use of wearable tech designed to offer benefits such as health monitoring, fitness tracking, and personal convenience. It requires a combination of informed decision-making by users and stringent regulatory oversight to overcome the issues that emerge due to misinformation about these devices. Users must ensure they understand the capabilities and limitations of their devices, from data accuracy to privacy risks. Additionally, manufacturers and regulators need to prioritise transparency, data protection, and compliance with global standards like GDPR or DPDP to build trust. As wearable tech continues to evolve, a balanced approach to innovation and privacy will be essential in fostering its responsible and beneficial use for all.

References

1. https://thehealthcaretechnologyreport.com/privacy-data-security-concerns-rise-as-healthcare-wearables-gain-popularity/ 
2. https://journals.plos.org/digitalhealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pdig.0000104
3. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/wearable-electronics-market-983.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwgMqSBhDCARIsAIIVN1V0sqrk6SpYSga3rcDtWcwh8npZ08L0_s4X91gh7yPAa6QmsctB-lMaAlpqEALw_wcB 
4. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/legal-information-management/article/health-data-on-the-go-navigating-privacy-concerns-with-wearable-technologies/05DAF11EFA807051362BB39260C4814C

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Executive Summary 

A video is being shared on social media, showing two people engaged in a physical altercation during a meeting. Police personnel can also be seen trying to separate the two. The video is being shared as a recent incident, with the claim that a BJP MP beat up an MLA during the meeting.

The viral claim was found to be false in CyberPeace’s research. Our research found that the video is not recent; it dates back to March 6, 2019. At the time, a dispute broke out between the late BJP leader Sharad Tripathi and his own party colleague Rakesh Singh Baghel during a District Planning Committee meeting. It is worth noting that former MP Sharad Tripathi passed away in 2021.

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Claim:

A Facebook user shared the viral video with the caption: “BJP MP beat up a BJP MLA with shoes... Are you expecting a better future for your children from these people?” The post link, archive link, and screenshot are provided below.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1672841037536241 

https://archive.ph/WAV7t 

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Fact Check

To verify the authenticity of the viral claim, we conducted a reverse image search of keyframes from the video. During the search, we found the same video on the Live Hindustan website, published on March 6, 2019. The post link and screenshot are provided below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0419WEzV38

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According to a Live Hindustan report, an unusual scene unfolded during a District Planning Committee meeting in Uttar Pradesh’s Sant Kabir Nagar when two leaders got into a physical altercation, attacking each other with shoes and slapping one another. The incident began with a verbal argument, which soon escalated. In the presence of the district’s in-charge minister, BJP MP Sharad Tripathi allegedly attacked Mehndawal MLA Rakesh Singh Baghel with his shoe during the meeting. On March 6, 2019, ANI also tweeted a segment of the video. According to the post, a physical altercation broke out between BJP MP Sharad Tripathi and BJP MLA Rakesh Singh Baghel in Sant Kabir Nagar following a heated argument. The dispute was reportedly over the names mentioned on the foundation stone of a project.

https://x.com/ANINewsUP/status/1103271105643581440?s=20 

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At the end of our research, we found a report published by Dainik Bhaskar on July 1, 2021. According to the report, former MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Sant Kabir Nagar Lok Sabha constituency, Sharad Tripathi, had passed away. He was undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after being admitted due to a liver-related condition. The report also mentioned the well-known “shoe incident” involving Sharad Tripathi. The report link and screenshot are provided below.

https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/gorakhpur/news/bjp-mp-sharad-tripathi-dead-who-was-battling-liver-cirrhosis-breathed-his-last-at-medanta-hospital-gurugram-bjp-leaders-expressed-grief-128652526.html 

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Conclusion

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Our research found that the video is not recent but dates back to March 6, 2019. At the time, a dispute broke out between the late BJP leader Sharad Tripathi and his own party colleague Rakesh Singh Baghel during a District Planning Committee meeting. It is worth noting that former MP Sharad Tripathi passed away in 2021.

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Executive Summary
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A video is being widely shared on social media showing a police officer driving an e-rickshaw, while two other policemen are seen in the back seat. Users sharing the clip claim that, due to a shortage of petrol, this is a new initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Police. However, research by CyberPeace found the viral claim to be false. Our research also confirms that the video is not real but AI-generated.

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Claim

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An Instagram user shared the viral video claiming that due to fuel shortages, Uttar Pradesh Police has started patrolling using e-rickshaws.

• Post link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWepKWXAeiE/ 
• Archive: https://archive.ph/QBNXs 

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Fact Check

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To verify the claim, we first conducted a keyword search on Google but found no credible media reports supporting this claim.

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Next, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and performed a reverse image search using Google Lens. During this process, we found the same video uploaded on an Instagram channel on March 28, 2026. The uploader clearly mentioned that the video was created purely for entertainment purposes.
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• Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWa0z-vjbq6/‍

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We further analyzed the video using AI detection tools. When scanned with Hive Moderation, the results indicated that the video is approximately 94% AI-generated.

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In the next step, we also tested the clip using DeepAI. According to its analysis, the video is about 97% AI-generated.

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Conclusion

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Our research clearly shows that the viral video is not authentic. It is an AI-generated clip created for entertainment purposes, and the claim that Uttar Pradesh Police has started e-rickshaw patrolling due to petrol shortage is false.

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