#FactCheck-Misleading Video of Building Collapse in Turkey Falsely Shared as Venezuela Earthquake Footage
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media, claiming it shows a terrifying scene from a recent earthquake in Venezuela. The 9-second clip shows a multi-storey building collapsing like a house of cards, while people nearby are seen running in panic as chaos unfolds. The video is being widely circulated by users as evidence of massive destruction caused by the alleged earthquake in Venezuela. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The viral video has no connection to any recent earthquake in Venezuela. In fact, the footage is from a completely different event that took place nearly three years ago in Turkey. It is being falsely shared with a wrong context on social media.
Claim:
A Facebook user shared the viral video with the caption: “The most dangerous earthquake in 126 years! At least 10,000 deaths in Venezuela earthquake, shocking claim by USGS. Reports say massive destruction has occurred, Caracas airport has also been destroyed. Statement by Yogi Adityanath after Bharat Tiwari’s encounter.” The post link, archived link, and screenshots are provided below.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2438255879794217/posts/4830038697282578/
FactCheck
To verify the claim, we performed a reverse image search of the video keyframes using Google Lens. During the search, we found the same video on WION’s Facebook page, where it was published on February 6, 2023. The original post link and screenshots are provided below. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=917786002738401
The original caption of the video clearly states that it shows a building collapse in Sanliurfa, Turkey, occurring hours after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the country. Based on clues from the Facebook post, we further searched using relevant keywords and found a report published by The Guardian on February 6, 2023, which also included the viral footage. https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2023/feb/06/building-collapses-earthquake-aftershock-turkey-video
The report confirms that the video is from the aftermath of the devastating 2023 Turkey earthquake in Sanliurfa, not Venezuela.
Conclusion:
Our research confirms that the viral video has no connection to any recent earthquake in Venezuela. The footage is actually from the 2023 Turkey earthquake and is being falsely shared with a misleading context on social media.
Related Blogs
Introduction
The rapid rise of AI tools has reshaped how health content spreads on platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. These sub-minute videos promise quick fixes for weight loss, glowing skin, or reduced anxiety, often delivered through polished visuals and confident AI-generated voiceovers. The result feels highly personalised, as if the advice is tailored to each viewer, even though it is usually generic and widely recycled.
Short-form videos tend to compress complex health topics into “one tip” solutions, such as drinking a specific detox drink daily or following a single workout for rapid fat loss. While appealing, this oversimplification removes essential context, including individual health conditions, long-term risks, and scientific nuance. For example, viral diet trends or fitness hacks may work for some but can be ineffective or even harmful for others.
Algorithms play a major role in amplifying such content. Videos that promise dramatic transformations or instant results are more likely to gain engagement, which pushes them to wider audiences. Repeated exposure then builds familiarity, making the advice seem more credible over time. Audiences often trust this content due to its clean presentation, authoritative tone, and frequent repetition. However, the risks include misinformation, unrealistic expectations, and potential harm from unverified practices. To approach such content critically, viewers should cross-check claims with credible medical sources, avoid relying on single tip solutions, and remember that real health advice is rarely one size fits all.
The Illusion of Personalisation
AI-generated health content often mimics personalisation through:
- Synthetic voiceovers that designers created to match different age groups through their voice output, which speak specifically to people who are 20 years old and younger.
- The script development process uses data that tracks currently popular search terms.
- Viewers can interpret information through visual elements, which show changes between two different states.
The process of "personalisation" uses generalised data that does not match individual health profiles to create targeted results. The videos fail to provide a medical assessment because they do not consider:
- Existing medical conditions
- Hereditary differences
- Personal habits and the impact of surrounding conditions
The users will think that general medical advice applies to their personal health needs, which will lead them to use this advice inappropriately.
Short-Form Content and Oversimplification
Short-form videos have time limitations, which result in reduced complex medical information development into basic medical stories. The typical patterns of evaluation include these two patterns of evaluation include:
- “One-tip solutions” (e.g., “Drink this before bed to burn fat”)
- Binary framing (“good vs bad foods”)
- The process of eliminating all disclaimers and side effects information
For example, the three diet methods here the three diet methods here
- Viral detox drinks that make the claim to "flush toxins" from the body
- Extreme calorie-cutting diet hacks
- Fitness shortcuts that guarantee users will see results within days
The content demonstrates a pattern of disregarding essential human body operation rules that include both metabolic patterns and human body operation over extended periods of time.
Algorithmic Amplification and Virality
The recommendation algorithms used by Instagram and YouTube deliver their most important results through three main factors, which include:
- Engagement (likes, shares, watch time)
- Retention rates
- Emotional or aspirational triggers
Health-related content that claims to deliver:
- Immediate body changes
- Needs minimal work from viewers
- Results in extreme physical changes
Attractive health-related content that displays extreme physical changes through quick transformations. The system produces a continuous cycle during which:
- Misleading content gains traction
- Algorithms amplify it further
- More creators replicate similar formats using AI tools
The system produces a secondary result that favours content that people share instead of content that has authentic credibility.
Why Do Users Trust AI-Generated Health Content?
Several psychological and technological factors contribute to trust:
- Professional Aesthetics - AI tools generate high-quality visual content together with authentic voiceover performance and expert-level script documentation, which replicates professional communication methods.
- Repetition and Familiarity - When people encounter identical recommendations multiple times, their belief in those recommendations increases through the illusory truth effect.
- Authority Signals
- Medical terminology serves as a standard term
- Medical professionals appear in stock footage through lab coat visuals
- The narrator delivers information through an assertive speaking style
- Perceived Personal Relevance - Algorithmic targeting makes users feel the content is "meant for them.
Real-World Examples of Viral Trends
The typical types of health misinformation that artificial intelligence systems spread through their enhanced capabilities include:
- Diet Trends: Keto shortcuts, extreme intermittent fasting variants
- Fitness Hacks: Spot reduction exercises (scientifically unsupported)
- Supplement Advice: Unverified claims about vitamins or herbal products
- Mental Health Tips: Oversimplified coping strategies that lack clinical evidence
The statement that drinking warm lemon water will detox your liver continues to be popular despite the fact that the liver has natural self-detoxification abilities.
Risks and Public Health Implications
The widespread consumption of such content creates multiple dangers, which include:
1. Physical Health Risks
- Nutritional deficiencies from extreme diets
- Injury from improper exercise techniques
- Delayed medical consultation
2. Psychological Impact
- Unrealistic body image expectations
- Anxiety due to conflicting advice
3. Misinformation Ecosystem
- The public loses confidence in evidence-based medicine
- Unverified or pseudoscientific practices spread throughout society
Regulatory and Ethical Concerns
The increase of AI-generated health materials connects to more extensive problems, which include:
- Who is responsible for the content
- Who is responsible for the platform
- How AI systems show their inner workings to users
Most platforms today do not have strict systems that can:
- Verify medical claims
- Display which health advice comes from artificial intelligence
- Punish users who spread false information multiple times
The absence of regulations allows misleading information to spread without consequences.
A CyberPeace Perspective: Building Digital Health Resilience
The problem needs complete involvement from several parties to create effective solutions that protect both online security and data integrity.
For Users
- Users should confirm claims by using trustworthy medical resources, which include the WHO and peer-reviewed studies.
- People should avoid using "quick solutions" until they receive guidance from certified experts.
- Users should exercise caution when they encounter content that does not include necessary warning signs.
For Platforms
- Platforms should implement systems that enable users to identify AI-generated content.
- Platforms should decrease the visibility of health information that contains false statements.
- Platforms should support authentic health content producers who have been validated.
For Policymakers
- Policymakers should create standards that govern AI-produced medical content.
- Policymakers need to enhance initiatives that teach people about the health information available online.
For Content Creators
- Content creators must show how they implement AI technologies.
- They should stay away from making claims that either go beyond what is needed or state things as absolute truth.
Conclusion
AI-generated health tips on short-form video platforms create complex research conditions that involve three scientific fields: technology, psychology and public health. The tools provide equal access to information, yet create higher risks for people to believe false information when they use the tools without responsible usage.
The challenge requires organisations to maintain user safety through accurate information management while providing users with transparent digital health services. The growing dependence of users on algorithm-based content requires educational institutions to develop students' critical thinking abilities and digital skills to minimise negative effects from AI-driven communication methods.
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12924558/
- https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/40/2/daaf023/8100645
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12673052/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1713794/full
- https://www.who.int/teams/digital-health-and-innovation/digital-channels/combatting-misinformation-online
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12982-025-00777-2
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/04/21/chatbot-medical-advice-accurate/
Introduction
The appeal is to be heard by the TDSAT (telecommunication dispute settlement & appellate tribunal) regarding several changes under Digital personal data protection. The Changes should be a removal of the deemed consent, a change in appellate mechanism, No change in delegation legislation, and under data breach. And there are some following other changes in the bill, and the digital personal data protection bill 2023 will now provide a negative list of countries that cannot transfer the data.
New Version of the DPDP Bill
The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill has a new version. There are three major changes in the 2022 draft of the digital personal data protection bill. The changes are as follows: The new version proposes changes that there shall be no deemed consent under the bill and that the personal data processing should be for limited uses only. By giving the deemed consent, there shall be consent for the processing of data for any purposes. That is why there shall be no deemed consent.
- In the interest of the sovereignty
- The integrity of India and the National Security
- For the issue of subsidies, benefits, services, certificates, licenses, permits, etc
- To comply with any judgment or order under the law
- To protect, assist, or provide service in a medical or health emergency, a disaster situation, or to maintain public order
- In relation to an employee and his/her rights
The 2023 version now includes an appeals mechanism
It states that the Board will have the authority to issue directives for data breach remediation or mitigation, investigate data breaches and complaints, and levy financial penalties. It would be authorised to submit complaints to alternative dispute resolution, accept voluntary undertakings from data fiduciaries, and advise the government to prohibit a data fiduciary’s website, app, or other online presence if the terms of the law were regularly violated. The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal will hear any appeals.
The other change is in delegated legislation, as one of the criticisms of the 2022 version bill was that it gave the government extensive rule-making powers. The committee also raised the same concern with the ministry. The committed wants that the provisions that cannot be fully defined within the scope of the bill can be addressed.
The other major change raised in the new version bill is regarding the data breach; there will be no compensation for the data breach. This raises a significant concern for the victims, If the victims suffer a data breach and he approaches the relevant court or authority, he will not be awarded compensation for the loss he has suffered due to the data breach.
Need of changes under DPDP
There is a need for changes in digital personal data protection as we talk about the deemed consent so simply speaking, by ‘deeming’ consent for subsequent uses, your data may be used for purposes other than what it has been provided for and, as there is no provision for to be informed of this through mandatory notice, there may never even come to know about it.
Conclusion
The bill requires changes to meet the need of evolving digital landscape in the digital personal data protection 2022 draft. The removal of deemed consent will ultimately protect the data of the data principal. And the data of the data principal will be used or processed only for the purpose for which the consent is given. The change in the appellate mechanism is also crucial as it meets the requirements of addressing appeals. However, the no compensation for a data breach is derogatory to the interest of the victim who has suffered a data breach.
Assembly elections are due to be held in Assam later this year, with polling likely in April or May. Ahead of the elections, a video claiming to be an Aaj Tak news bulletin is being widely circulated on social media.
In the viral video, Aaj Tak anchor Rajiv Dhoundiyal is allegedly seen stating that a leaked intelligence report has issued a warning for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam. The clip claims that according to this purported report, the BJP may suffer significant losses in the upcoming Assembly elections. Several social media users sharing the video have also claimed that the alleged intelligence report signals the possible removal of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from office.
However, an investigation by the Cyber Peace Foundation found the viral claim to be false. Our probe clearly established that no leaked intelligence report related to the Assam Assembly elections exists.
Further, Aaj Tak has neither published nor broadcast any such report on its official television channel, website, or social media platforms. The investigation also revealed that the viral video itself is not authentic and has been created using deepfake technology.
Claim
On social media platform Facebook, a user shared the viral video claiming that the BJP has been pushed on the back foot following organisational changes in the Congress—appointing Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as chairperson of the election screening committee and Gaurav Gogoi as the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president. The post further claims that an Intelligence Bureau report predicts that the current Assam government will not return to power.
(Link to the post, archive link, and screenshots are available.)
FactCheck:
To verify the claim, we first searched for reports related to any alleged leaked intelligence assessment concerning the Assam Assembly elections using relevant keywords. However, no credible or reliable reports supporting the claim were found. We then reviewed Aaj Tak’s official website, social media pages, and YouTube channel. Our examination confirmed that no such news bulletin has been published or broadcast by the network on any of its official platforms.
- https://www.facebook.com/aajtak/?locale=hi_IN
- https://www.instagram.com/aajtak/
- https://x.com/aajtak
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt4t-jeY85JegMlZ-E5UWtA
To further verify the authenticity of the video, its audio was scanned using the deepfake voice detection tool HIVE Moderation.
The analysis revealed that the voice heard in the video is 99 per cent AI-generated, clearly indicating that the audio is not genuine and has been artificially created using artificial intelligence.
Additionally, the video was analysed using another AI detection tool, Aurigin AI, which also identified the viral clip as AI-generated.
Conclusion:
The investigation clearly establishes that there is no leaked intelligence report predicting BJP’s defeat in the Assam Assembly elections. Aaj Tak has not published or broadcast any such content on its official platforms. The video circulating on social media is not authentic and has been created using deepfake technology to mislead viewers.
