#FactCheck: Viral Video Falsely Linked to Delhi Police Assault on Female Journalist Is From a Movie Shoot

Introduction

We are living in the digital age, where from ordering food to floating into a relationship everything is preferred to be digitized. It has been quite evident that in the past few years, online dating has become immensely popular due to its potential success stories. Since it has become a medium to find potential partners. Among the string of successes and pros of online dating, there seems to be a corner which is curtained that contains scams and treachery. A very recent case in Delhi puts light into the dark side of online dating where a 25-year-old journalist was trapped in an online dating scam. It portrays the threat of meeting an unknown person through an online dating app and how a person gets involved in the vicious cycle. Since the concept of online dating is all about meeting a new person and getting indulged. This incident talks about a man who met a woman through a dating app Bumble and got scammed for Rs 15000.

Unveiling the scam

It started like a fairy tale where a 25-year-old Delhi resident met with a girl on a dating app Bumble, where they spoke and found each other compatible. Followed by it the girl approaches the boy to meet at a specific restaurant situated in Delhi. The boy was away from the idea that the first meetup would turn into a nightmare which horrifying experience he would share on social media. It is not only about the financial loss but also about the emotional distress one goes through. Every coin has two sides and when surfing in the digital world one needs to keep in mind that along with the pros, there are certain cons. In the eagerness to meet someone, we should not lose our presence of mind. Continuing the incident once both reached the specified restaurant the girl made an order of various food items including beverages, shots of vodka, glasses of wine, different cuisines and hookah. Which not so surprisingly culminated in an inflated bill of Rs 15,886. After paying the hefty amount the boy went to the washroom once he came back the bill vanished followed by the girl being eager to leave the place. Till that very moment, the victim was in his dreamland where he did not get the hint that he had been scammed. Once he reached home and tried contacting the lady her account was deleted from the platform and was not reachable through calls. This incident shook the victim and pushed him to melancholy. Since he did not expect this to happen. Devastated by the fraud and treachery the man wrote about his disappointing experience on his Twitter handle addressing Delhi police to look into this.

It has been brought to the notice that similar incidents have been reported in the past as well. The trend remains the same in which the culprit insists the victim meet at a specific location decided by them, it is done with such conviction that it becomes difficult for the victim to deny. Once they accept to meet in the decided location it is followed by making the victim order expensive food and alcohol and at the time of payment giving excuses or pretending to pay. Once the payment is done the culprit rushes to leave the location or disappears without any head up. Not to be perplexed once they leave they will not leave any trace of them.

How to stay safe in the online dating world?

Online dating can bring butterflies in the stomach, and indeed it is a beautiful experience to meet someone new and fall in love but with this beauty, there comes the baggage of falling into the trap of cyber scams. While surfing online dating sites one needs to be very careful and vigilant since the highlighted incidents are relevant enough to showcase the negative impact on it.

Best practices

• Use reliable platforms:  With the growing digitalization, there are infinite platforms available for online dating. But here is the catch one needs to be very finicky in choosing an appropriate platform among the countless options. It is best to use authentic platforms or apps and read reviews and ratings before installing any such applications or platforms.
• Cross-verify the profiles:  Once you receive a profile compatible enough to talk about it is recommended to have elaborative conversations. It is not about doubting someone but being calculative and cross-checking all the information given. Before meeting the person it is best to have a detailed conversation but not reveal much about you.
• Have control in your pocket: When it comes to paying the bill be proactive in dividing the bill. It is advisable to do so that the liability of paying a hefty bill does not come from one party. This will make sure that even if one of the people has the intention to exploit the other person they will become alarmed. 
• Go with the flow: Since meeting an unknown person is all flowery and spontaneous, it is also good to follow your instinct and go with the flow if you find anything weird during the conversation or while in person. It is advisable to back off or to leave the place as soon as possible.
• Be cautious in sharing your personal information with strangers: While conversing with an unknown person online, it is very important to keep a hold on our emotions and not share any personal information which can be misused by cyber crooks. Also, it is very important that we do not discuss anything about our financial capabilities and transactions.  It is imperative to note that cyber crooks exploit the many new ways to commit online fraud by targeting innocent individuals. 
• Catching up in public places: When meeting for the first time it is advisable to meet a person in a public place such as a park, museums etc. It is the best way to avoid going to a place decided or being insisted. Since meeting in a public place gives a sense of security that people are around you.
• Keep your near people in Loop: No matter how private you are while meeting an unknown person keep your friends and near one aware of it. 

What to do if you fall into such dating scams

1. While one can be emotionally drained, it is very important to keep track of all the information shared, save all your messages, take pictures of the scammer's profile and document every small detail which can be relevant.
2. Report on the platform:  There would be a section called “Contact us” or “Report” on the platform where you can report against the scammer.  Most dating apps have this section where you can mention your issue so that they can take action against such profiles.
3. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, 1930 Helpline: The Cybercrime reporting portal http://www.cybercrime.gov.in/ equipped with 24x7 helpline 1930 is a powerful resource available to the victims of cybercrimes to report their cases. 

Conclusion

Online dating can become the gush of winds for someone but it is very important to keep in mind that with the potential of falling in love, there comes a threat of being trapped and getting into cyber frauds or scams. So many cases are being reported, and the recent case also highlights that not everyone on online sites is genuine. So be aware of such scams and stay informed and safe in the evolving digital environment. 

References

• https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/delhi-cafes-hiring-girls-to-scam-customers-says-bumble-user-conned-out-of-rs-15000-11724701.html
• https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-man-falls-victim-to-scam-as-bumble-date-costs-him-15-000-4566680/amp/1
• https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/national-cyber-crime-reporting-portal#:~:text=This%20portal%20is%20an%20initiative,crimes%20against%20women%20and%20children.

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Executive Summary

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A post is being widely circulated on social media claiming that paper currency will be discontinued in the country from June 30 and replaced with new plastic notes. The claim is being shared along with an audio clip purportedly featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning people that paper notes will no longer be valid after June 30 and that new plastic currency will be introduced in the market.CyberPeace Research Wing  research found the claim to be false. The viral post about discontinuation of paper currency from June 30 is baseless, and the audio attributed to the Prime Minister has been generated using artificial intelligence.

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Claim:

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An X (formerly Twitter) user shared the viral post claiming that paper currency will be completely withdrawn from circulation in India from June 30 and replaced with plastic notes. The post includes an audio clip allegedly featuring PM Modi.

Post link and archive link can be seen below:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2172216560209848 

https://archive.is/pqI8w 

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Factcheck

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To verify the claim, we conducted a keyword search online. During the research, we found a report published by NDTV on June 6, which stated that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is currently examining a proposal related to polymer-based (plastic) currency notes. The report clarified that the proposal is at a very preliminary stage and no final decision has been made. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the central bank is evaluating the pros and cons of polymer notes and will inform the public once any decision is taken. The report does not mention any discontinuation of existing paper currency.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rbi-examining-pros-and-cons-of-plastic-currency-notes-no-decision-yet-11600387

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We also checked official sources, including the Prime Minister’s social media handles and the Reserve Bank of India website, but found no announcement or notification regarding the discontinuation of paper currency from June 30.

https://www.rbi.org.in/hindi/

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Since the claim included an audio clip attributed to PM Modi, we analyzed it using AI voice detection tools. The Undetectable AI tool identified the voice with 99% probability as AI-generated.

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Conclusion:

The research clearly shows that the claim about discontinuation of paper currency from June 30 is baseless. The audio attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also AI-generated and does not represent any official statement.

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Introduction

There is a rising desire for artificial intelligence (AI) laws that limit threats to public safety and protect human rights while allowing for a flexible and inventive setting. Most AI policies prioritize the use of AI for the public good. The most compelling reason for AI innovation as a valid goal of public policy is its promise to enhance people's lives by assisting in the resolution of some of the world's most difficult difficulties and inefficiencies and to emerge as a transformational technology, similar to mobile computing. This blog explores the complex interplay between AI and internet governance from an Indian standpoint, examining the challenges, opportunities, and the necessity for a well-balanced approach.

Understanding Internet Governance

Before delving into an examination of their connection, let's establish a comprehensive grasp of Internet Governance. This entails the regulations, guidelines, and criteria that influence the global operation and management of the Internet. With the internet being a shared resource, governance becomes crucial to ensure its accessibility, security, and equitable distribution of benefits.

The Indian Digital Revolution

India has witnessed an unprecedented digital revolution, with a massive surge in internet users and a burgeoning tech ecosystem. The government's Digital India initiative has played a crucial role in fostering a technology-driven environment, making technology accessible to even the remotest corners of the country. As AI applications become increasingly integrated into various sectors, the need for a comprehensive framework to govern these technologies becomes apparent.

AI and Internet Governance Nexus

The intersection of AI and Internet governance raises several critical questions. How should data, the lifeblood of AI, be governed? What role does privacy play in the era of AI-driven applications? How can India strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding against potential risks associated with AI?

• AI's Role in Internet Governance: 

Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a powerful force shaping the dynamics of the internet. From content moderation and cybersecurity to data analysis and personalized user experiences, AI plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Internet governance mechanisms. Automated systems powered by AI algorithms are deployed to detect and respond to emerging threats, ensuring a safer online environment.

A comprehensive strategy for managing the interaction between AI and the internet is required to stimulate innovation while limiting hazards. Multistakeholder models including input from governments, industry, academia, and civil society are gaining appeal as viable tools for developing comprehensive and extensive governance frameworks.

The usefulness of multistakeholder governance stems from its adaptability and flexibility in requiring collaboration from players with a possible stake in an issue. Though flawed, this approach allows for flaws that may be remedied using knowledge-building pieces. As AI advances, this trait will become increasingly important in ensuring that all conceivable aspects are covered.

The Need for Adaptive Regulations

While AI's potential for good is essentially endless, so is its potential for damage - whether intentional or unintentional. The technology's highly disruptive nature needs a strong, human-led governance framework and rules that ensure it may be used in a positive and responsible manner. The fast emergence of GenAI, in particular, emphasizes the critical need for strong frameworks. Concerns about the usage of GenAI may enhance efforts to solve issues around digital governance and hasten the formation of risk management measures.

Several AI governance frameworks have been published throughout the world in recent years, with the goal of offering high-level guidelines for safe and trustworthy AI development. The OECD's "Principles on Artificial Intelligence" (OECD, 2019), the EU's "Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI" (EU, 2019), and UNESCO's "Recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence" (UNESCO, 2021) are among the multinational organizations that have released their own principles. However, the advancement of GenAI has resulted in additional recommendations, such as the OECD's newly released "G7 Hiroshima Process on Generative Artificial Intelligence" (OECD, 2023).

Several guidance documents and voluntary frameworks have emerged at the national level in recent years, including the "AI Risk Management Framework" from the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a voluntary guidance published in January 2023, and the White House's "Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights," a set of high-level principles published in October 2022 (The White House, 2022). These voluntary policies and frameworks are frequently used as guidelines by regulators and policymakers all around the world. More than 60 nations in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe had issued national AI strategies as of 2023 (Stanford University).

Conclusion

Monitoring AI will be one of the most daunting tasks confronting the international community in the next centuries. As vital as the need to govern AI is the need to regulate it appropriately. Current AI policy debates too often fall into a false dichotomy of progress versus doom (or geopolitical and economic benefits versus risk mitigation). Instead of thinking creatively, solutions all too often resemble paradigms for yesterday's problems. It is imperative that we foster a relationship that prioritizes innovation, ethical considerations, and inclusivity. Striking the right balance will empower us to harness the full potential of AI within the boundaries of responsible and transparent Internet Governance, ensuring a digital future that is secure, equitable, and beneficial for all.

References

1. The Key Policy Frameworks Governing AI in India - Access Partnership
2. AI in e-governance: A potential opportunity for India (indiaai.gov.in)
3. India and the Artificial Intelligence Revolution - Carnegie India - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
4. Rise of AI in the Indian Economy (indiaai.gov.in)
5. The OECD Artificial Intelligence Policy Observatory - OECD.AI
6. Artificial Intelligence | UNESCO
7. Artificial intelligence | NIST