#FactCheck-AI-Generated Image Falsely Shows Iranian Soldiers Near Downed Helicopter
Executive Summary
Our research confirms that the viral image showing Iranian soldiers standing near a crashed helicopter is AI-generated and has no connection to any real-world event. It is being misleadingly shared online amid geopolitical tensions. Amid rising tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, a dramatic image is being widely shared on social media. The picture shows soldiers standing near the wreckage of a crashed helicopter in a desert, holding an Iranian flag. Users claim that Iranian forces shot down the aircraft. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral image is fake and was created using AI tools.
Claim
A Facebook page named “Official Salman 09” shared the image on May 1, 2026, portraying it as a powerful symbol of victory in an ongoing conflict. The post suggested that the image reflected Iran’s military success and carried a broader political message amid regional tensions.
- https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=909905332099201&set=a.522993370790401
- https://perma.cc/KCL8-7UDN

Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. The image did not appear on any credible news platforms, although it was widely circulating across social media—raising suspicion about its authenticity. We then analyzed the image using Google’s SynthID detector, which confirmed with high confidence that the image was generated using Google’s AI tools. SynthID is a technology designed to watermark and identify AI-generated content.

Further verification using AI detection tool Hive Moderation indicated a very high likelihood (up to 99.9%) that the image was AI-generated, with strong probability that it was created using Google’s Gemini.

Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral image showing Iranian soldiers standing near a crashed helicopter is AI-generated and has no connection to any real-world event. It is being misleadingly shared online amid geopolitical tensions.
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Introduction
A message has recently circulated on WhatsApp alleging that voice and video chats made through the app will be recorded, and devices will be linked to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s system from now on. WhatsApp from now, record the chat activities and forward the details to the Government. The Anti-Government News has been shared on social media.
Message claims
- The fake WhatsApp message claims that an 11-point new communication guideline has been established and that voice and video calls will be recorded and saved. It goes on to say that WhatsApp devices will be linked to the Ministry’s system and that Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and all other social media platforms will be monitored in the future.
- The fake WhatsApp message further advises individuals not to transmit ‘any nasty post or video against the government or the Prime Minister regarding politics or the current situation’. The bogus message goes on to say that it is a “crime” to write or transmit a negative message on any political or religious subject and that doing so could result in “arrest without a warrant.”
- The false message claims that any message in a WhatsApp group with three blue ticks indicates that the message has been noted by the government. It also notifies Group members that if a message has 1 Blue tick and 2 Red ticks, the government is checking their information, and if a member has 3 Red ticks, the government has begun procedures against the user, and they will receive a court summons shortly.
WhatsApp does not record voice and video calls
There has been news which is spreading that WhatsApp records voice calls and video calls of the users. the news is spread through a message that has been recently shared on social media. As per the Government, the news is fake, that WhatsApp cannot record voice and video calls. Only third-party apps can record voice and video calls. Usually, users use third-party Apps to record voice and video calls.
Third-party apps used for recording voice and video calls
- App Call recorder
- Call recorder- Cube ACR
- Video Call Screen recorder for WhatsApp FB
- AZ Screen Recorder
- Video Call Recorder for WhatsApp
Case Study
In 2022 there was a fake message spreading on social media, suggesting that the government might monitor WhatsApp talks and act against users. According to this fake message, a new WhatsApp policy has been released, and it claims that from now on, every message that is regarded as suspicious will have three 3 Blue ticks, indicating that the government has taken note of that message. And the same fake news is spreading nowadays.
WhatsApp Privacy policies against recording voice and video chats
The WhatsApp privacy policies say that voice calls, video calls, and even chats cannot be recorded through WhatsApp because of end-to-end encryption settings. End-to-end encryption ensures that the communication between two people will be kept private and safe.
WhatsApp Brand New Features
- Chat lock feature: WhatsApp Chat Lock allows you to store chats in a folder that can only be viewed using your device’s password or biometrics such as a fingerprint. When you lock a chat, the details of the conversation are automatically hidden in notifications. The motive of WhatsApp behind the cha lock feature is to discover new methods to keep your messages private and safe. The feature allows the protection of most private conversations with an extra degree of security
- Edit chats feature: WhatsApp can now edit your WhatsApp messages up to 15 minutes after they have been sent. With this feature, the users can make the correction in the chat or can add some extra points, users want to add.
Conclusion
The spread of misinformation and fake news is a significant problem in the age of the internet. It can have serious consequences for individuals, communities, and even nations. The news is fake as per the government, as neither WhatsApp nor the government could have access to WhatsApp chats, voice, and video calls on WhatsApp because of end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption ensures to protect of the communications of the users. The government previous year blocked 60 social media platforms because of the spreading of Anti India News. There is a fact check unit which identifies misleading and false online content.

Executive Summary
A video circulating on social media is being linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The clip shows an aircraft crashing into a residential area, with users claiming that a Dubai-bound plane carrying Israeli soldiers crashed near Tel Aviv airport, killing everyone on board. However, an research by the CyberPeace has found the claim to be false. The viral video is AI-generated, and no such incident has taken place in Israel.
Claim
An Instagram user “bebakawaaztv” shared the video on April 7, 2026, claiming that a Dubai aircraft carrying Israeli soldiers crashed near Tel Aviv airport in a residential area, allegedly after being hit by debris from an Iranian hypersonic missile.

Fact Check
To verify the claim, we closely examined the viral video. Several visual inconsistencies indicated that it was not real. The aircraft appears to be flying unusually low over a residential area—something that is highly improbable under normal aviation conditions. Its landing gear seems to touch rooftops without causing any visible damage. Additionally, the wings of the aircraft pass through structures like poles without any collision impact, which is physically impossible. These anomalies strongly suggested that the video was artificially created.
We further analyzed the video using the AI detection tool HIVE Moderation, which indicated a 99% probability that the content is AI-generated.

Another analysis using Sightengine also flagged the video as likely AI-generated.

Conclusion
The viral claim is false and misleading. There is no credible evidence or verified report confirming that any Dubai aircraft carrying Israeli soldiers crashed near Tel Aviv airport. No such incident has been reported by any reliable international or local media outlets. The video in question is digitally fabricated using AI technology, and the visual inconsistencies within the clip clearly indicate manipulation. Such content is often designed to exploit ongoing geopolitical tensions and spread misinformation at scale

Introduction
It’s a proud moment for Indians that India will host the G- 20 administration, which will bring the world’s 20 largest profitable nations together on a single platform during the post-economic recovery and the Russia- Ukraine conflict, which has increased geopolitical pressures among nations over the last many times and made the G- 20 a precedence of nations. With this administration, India has to make cybersecurity precedence, as the security and integrity of the critical structure and digital platforms are top precedence in 2023. The necessity for a secure cyberspace is pivotal given the exponential increase in the volume and kind of cyber-attacks, particularly to crucial structures the most recent illustration is the ongoing interruption at New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical lores caused by a ransomware assault. It has been observed that the mode of attacks are more sophisticated and targets communication structure, critical structure, transport systems, and especially the information technology sector and fiscal system.
The structure that enables the delivery of government services to be more effective. As a result,cyber-secured critical structures and digital public forums are necessary for public security, bettered governance, and, most importantly, maintaining people’s trust. The G20 can be enhanced and contribute towards securing digital public platforms and the integrity of the critical structure. This time, in 2023, digital security is the top precedence.
G20 cybersecurity enterprises and politic sweat
The emphasis on cybersecurity was maintained throughout the Italian and Indonesian regulations in 2021 and 2022, independently, by emphasizing the significance of cyberspace during Digital Economy Working Group addresses. Specifically, under the Indonesian Presidency, the prominent cybersecurity focus was clear in the recent Bali Leaders’ protestation, which noted, among other effects, the significance of fighting misinformation juggernauts and cyber attacks, as well as guaranteeing connectivity structure security. The cyber incident report by the Financial Stability Board on carrying further uniformity in cyber incident reporting In 2016, a G20 digital task force was created under the Chinese administration to understand digital technology issues. Under the Saudi administration, the cybersecurity gap at the G20 was bridged by addressing the issues of MSMs. India has also refocused on the significance of creating secure, secure, and stronger-friendly digital platforms.
G20- India’s digital invention alliance( G-20-DIA) a cyber-secure Bharat
- Under India’s administration, the G20’s Digital Economy Working Group is led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology( MeitY, DEWG).
- The Ministry concentrated on three major areas during India’s G20 administration digital skill development, digital public structure, and cyber security.
- The EWG’s DIA and Stay Safe Online enterprise further the ideal of lesser digital metamorphosis by guaranteeing a safe and creative cyber terrain. They want to offer a smooth and secure delivery of public services.

The G20 Digital Innovation Alliance
(G20- DIA) strives to find, admit, and encourage the relinquishment of innovative and poignant digital technologies produced by invited G20 startups and-member governments.
- These technologies must meet humanity’s conditions in six crucial areas husbandry, health, education, finance, secure digital structure, and indirect frugality.
- The inventions created around these motifs will be supported by the Digital Public Goods structure, allowing them to be espoused encyclopedically, closing the digital gap and icing sustainable and indifferent growth.
- The G20 Digital Innovation Alliance( G20- DIA) conference will be held on the perimeters of the Digital Economy Working Group( DEWG) meeting in Bengaluru.
- Top-nominated entrepreneurs from each order will present their ideas to a worldwide community of investors, instructors, pots, and other stakeholders at this event.
India’s” Stay Safe Online crusade”
The” Stay Safe Online” crusade attempts to raise mindfulness about the significance of remaining safe in the online world amid our adding reliance on it. With the fast expansion of the technical terrain and the growing number of internet druggies in India, new difficulties are arising. The Stay Safe Online crusade aims to educate individuals about cyber pitfalls and how to avoid them. The time-long crusade will target children, women, scholars, and aged citizens, as well as individuals with disabilities, preceptors, and government officers in particular. It’ll be done in Hindi, English, and indigenous languages to reach a larger followership. It’ll distribute mindfulness information in infographics, short pictures, cartoon stories, and so on through extensively employed social media platforms and other channels. The primary stakeholders will be government agencies, civil societies, and NGOs.
Conclusion
To wind up, it can be said that cyber security has become the most essential part of transnational affairs. As India hosts the G20 administration in 2023, the docket relating to cybersecurity gains a global stage, where cyber-related issues are addressed and honored encyclopedically, and nations can combat these issues; also, India aims to raise cyber mindfulness among its citizens.