#FactCheck: Old Ukraine Blast Video Falsely Shared as Iran Strike on Israeli Nuclear Site
Executive Summary
A video showing a massive fire and explosion is going viral on social media. The clip shows a large plume of smoke followed by a sudden blast. It is being shared with the claim that it depicts Iran attacking a nuclear reactor in Israel amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. However, research by CyberPeace found that the claim is misleading. The viral video is actually from 2017 and shows a massive explosion at an ammunition depot in Ukraine.
Claim:
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), a user shared the video on March 21, 2026, with the caption:“Israel’s nuclear reactor was targeted with Fateh and Khyber missiles. Well done Iran! The whole world is with you.”
Fact Check:
To verify the viral claim, we extracted keyframes from the video and conducted a reverse image search. During this process, we found the same video uploaded on March 23, 2017, on a YouTube channel named “null.” According to the upload, the video shows a massive explosion at an ammunition depot in Balakliya, Ukraine. Using these clues, we performed a keyword search and found a report published on March 24, 2017, by Global News.
According to the report, a major fire and explosion broke out at a large military ammunition depot in Balakliya, located in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. The incident resulted in one death, while nearly 20,000 people from surrounding areas were evacuated to safer locations.
Conclusion:
The claim that the video shows Iran attacking a nuclear reactor in Israel is misleading. The viral footage is actually from 2017 and depicts an explosion at an ammunition depot in Ukraine.
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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.
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
Introduction
Betting has long been associated with sporting activities and has found a growing presence in online gaming and esports globally. As the esports industry continues to expand, Statista has projected that it will reach a market value of $5.9 billion by 2029. As such, associated markets have also seen significant growth. In 2024, this segment accounted for an estimated $2.5 billion globally. While such engagement avenues are popular among international audiences, they also bring attention to concerns around regulation, integrity, and user protection. As esports builds its credibility and reach, especially among younger demographics, these aspects become increasingly important to address in policy and practice.
What Does Esports Betting Involve?
Much like traditional sports, esports engagement in some regions includes the practice of wagering on teams, players, or match outcomes. But it is inherently more complex. The accurate valuation of odds in online gaming and esports can be complicated by frequently updated game titles, changing teams, and shifting updates to game mechanics (called metas- most effective strategies). Bets can be placed using real money, virtual items like skins (digital avatars), or increasingly, cryptocurrency.
Esports and Wagering: Emerging Issues and Implications
- Legal Grey Areas: While countries like South Korea and some USA states have dedicated regulations for esports betting and licensed bookmaking, most do not. This creates legal grey areas for betting service providers to access unregulated markets, increasing the risk of fraud, money laundering, and exploitation of bettors in those regions.
- The Skill v/s Chance Dilemma: Most gambling laws across the world regulate betting based on the distinction between ‘games of skill’ and ‘games of chance’. Betting on the latter is typically illegal, since winning depends on chance. But the definitions of ‘skill’ and ‘chance’ may vary by jurisdiction. Also, esports betting often blurs into gambling. Outcomes may depend on player skill, but in-game economies like skin betting and unpredictable gameplay introduce elements of chance, complicating regulation and making enforcement difficult.
- Underage Gambling and Addiction Risks: Players are often minors and are exposed to the gambling ecosystem due to gamified betting through reward systems like loot boxes. These often mimic the mechanics of betting, normalising gambling behaviours among young users before they fully understand the risks. This can lead to the development of addictive behaviours.
- Match-Fixing and Loss of Integrity: Esports are particularly susceptible to match-fixing because of weak regulation, financial pressures, and the anonymity of online betting. Instances like the Dota 2 Southeast Asia Scandals (2023) and Valorant match-fixing in North America (2021) can jeopardise audience trust and sponsorships. This affects the trustworthiness of minor tournaments, where talent is discovered.
- Cybersecurity and Data Risks: Esports betting apps collect sensitive user data, making them an attractive target for cybercrime. Bettors are susceptible to identity theft, financial fraud, and data breaches, especially on unlicensed platforms.
Way Forward
To strengthen trust, ensure user safety, and protect privacy within the esports ecosystem, responsible management of betting practices can be achieved through targeted interventions focused on:
- National-Level Regulations: Countries like India have a large online gaming and esports market. It will need to create a regulatory authority along the lines of the UK’s Gambling Commission and update its gambling laws to protect consumers.
- Protection of Minors: Setting guardrails such as age verification, responsible advertising, anti-fraud mechanisms, self-exclusion tools, and spending caps can help to keep a check on gambling by minors.
- Harmonizing Global Standards: Since esports is inherently global, aligning core regulatory principles across jurisdictions (such as through multi-country agreements or voluntary industry codes of conduct) can help create consistency while avoiding overregulation.
- Co-Regulation: Governments, esports organisers, betting platforms, and player associations should work closely to design effective, well-informed policies. This can help uphold the interests of all stakeholders in the industry.
Conclusion
Betting in esports is inevitable. But the industry faces a double dilemma- overregulating on the one hand, or letting gambling go unchecked, on the other. Both can be detrimental to its growth. This is why there is a need for industry actors like policymakers, platforms and organisers to work together to harmonise legal inconsistencies, protect vulnerable users and invest in forming data security. Forming industry-wide ethics boards, promoting regional regulatory dialogue, and instating transparency measures for betting operators can be a step in this direction to ensure that esports evolves into a mature, trusted global industry.
Sources
Introduction
Established in the US, one of the world’s largest cab networks came into existence in 2010 and, since its inception, has expanded all over the globe with operations in 10,000 cities across 71 countries. It made a remarkable start in India in 2017 and, since then, has seen a rise in the customers and drivers for the company. India is among the largest markets for Uber, with 600,000 monthly drivers and 8.5 million monthly riders.
GeM
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a one-stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common-use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs. GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement. It provides the tools of e-bidding, reverses e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate government users achieve the best value for their money. Government e-Marketplace owes its genesis to the recommendations of two Groups of Secretaries to the Prime Minister in January 2016. They recommended setting up a dedicated e-market for different goods & services procured or sold by Government/PSUs besides reforming DGS&D. Subsequently, the Finance Minister, in his Budget speech for FY 2016-17, announced setting up of a technology-driven platform to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various Ministries and agencies of the Government. The portal was launched on 9th August 2016 by the Commerce & Industry Minister.
Uber-GeM collaboration
The cab network giant has registered on the portal of the Government E-marketplace and has declared that it will offer its services to Government officials from Ministries and PSUs. The project is currently in its pilot phase and shall be executed systematically to cover all the ministries and PSUs in the nation. The officials can book cabs at a fixed price with no cancellation or surge fees on the rides. The authorised officials will be able to book a cab from the portal and select from the list of drivers available. It will be a cashless/cardless ride for the officials; additional vehicle categories for government riders have been added, namely, GeM Yatraa Hatch and GeM Yatraa Sedan, and there will be hourly rentals for multiple-stops, allowing the government officials to enjoy the flexible and easily accessible network of cabs in major cities.
Advantages
Such collaboration between Government institutions and corporates will go a long way to secure a stable equilibrium in the market. Uber, a US-based company, enjoys a vast user base in India and has created new job avenues. The advantages of the collaboration between GeM and Uber are as follows-
Easy accessibility
This will undoubtedly provide ease in accessibility in terms of being in a new place, and language barriers will no longer exist with such options for Government officials.
Increased jobs for drivers
With more cabs being engaged with ministries and PSUs, it is pertinent that the requirement for drivers will grow, thus increasing the employability rate in India and allowing the user to have an uninterrupted experience.
Ease of travel and commuting
This move will provide flexibility, thus leading to more ease in travel in cases of emergencies or places inaccessible by trains or other modes of transport.
Rise in travel and tourism
Coupled with the other factors, the opportunities for the users to visit different places will be an added advantage which will help boost the tourism industry, thus creating a balance in the market.
Sustainable Government corporate relationship
Such collaborations between the government and corporates will be substantial, signifying the ease of doing business in India. They will also act as a beacon of example for compliance with opportunities for the other companies and stakeholders.
Opportunities for collaboration with ingenious start-ups
With such major corporate joining hands with the government, the indigenous start-ups will have various opportunities to engage with companies and recreate similar businesses rooted in India, thus transforming the economy.
Conclusion
Transportation and communication play a vital role in our lives, thus, such collaboration will go a long way in creating a better and more uniform user experience in the country. This also goes a long way to showcase that the Governmental platforms also offer services of a global standard. Such portals exist in South Korea, Singapore, the US and Europe. The network of cabs can only be sustained using the locals as drivers, hence these collaborations are win-win for all as the market dynamics are improving, employability will increase, and improved user experience will be seen.
