Navigating the Path to CyberPeace: Insights and Strategies
Featured #factCheck Blogs
Executive Summary
An image is being widely shared on social media with the claim that Iranian missile forces targeted an LPG tanker heading towards India, causing a massive fire onboard. CyberPeace Research Wing ’s research found the claim to be misleading. The research revealed that the viral image is not related to any recent Iran-India development or any missile attack. The image actually shows a fire incident involving the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon near the coast of Aden, Yemen, in October 2025, and is being circulated with a false context.
Claim
A Facebook user shared the viral image on July 8, 2026, claiming: “Iranian missile force has struck an LPG tanker going to India.” The post link, archive link, and screenshot are provided below.
Fact Check
To verify the viral claim, we conducted a keyword-based search on Google. However, we did not find any credible media report confirming that an India-bound LPG tanker was targeted by Iranian missile forces. During the research, we extracted keyframes from the viral image and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. The search led us to a report published by NDTV on October 20, 2025, which contained the same visuals as the viral image. The report link and screenshot are provided below.
According to the NDTV report, a fire broke out onboard the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon following an explosion near the coast of Aden, Yemen. The incident involved 23 Indian crew members, who were rescued safely. The incident occurred on October 18, 2025, at around 07:00 UTC, when the vessel was sailing approximately 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden while heading towards Djibouti. Following the explosion, the vessel went adrift and around 15% of the ship was engulfed in flames. Further verification through keyword searches led us to an India Today report published on October 20, 2025, which also confirmed that the MV Falcon caught fire after an explosion off the coast of Aden, Yemen. The report stated that all 23 Indian crew members onboard were rescued. The report also mentioned that authorities had initiated an research into the incident and ruled out speculation that the explosion was caused by a Houthi attack. The report link and screenshot are provided below.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral claim is misleading. The image being shared as proof of an Iranian missile strike on an India-bound LPG tanker is actually from an unrelated incident that occurred in October 2025. The image shows the fire that broke out onboard the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon near Aden, Yemen, following an explosion. The old image is being circulated with a false narrative linking it to Iran and India.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media claiming to show a helicopter's thermal camera capturing hundreds of crocodiles hidden along the Amazon River at night. The footage appears to show a thermal imaging view of a river and its banks, where hundreds of crocodiles can allegedly be seen. Users claim the video was recorded using night-vision/thermal imaging technology over the Amazon River. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be false. The research revealed that the viral video is not authentic but has been generated using artificial intelligence (AI) and is being circulated with a fabricated claim.
Claim
Social media users are sharing the video claiming that it shows a thermal camera recording of hundreds of crocodiles in and around the Amazon River at night. The post link and screenshot are provided below.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DalJ41bIezV/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DalJ41bIezV/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted several keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. However, we found no credible news reports, authentic videos, or reliable sources confirming that the footage was recorded over the Amazon River.
We then conducted a detailed visual analysis of the video. The footage exclusively shows crocodile-like figures spread across the river and its banks, while no other aquatic animals or natural environmental activity—normally expected in a river ecosystem of that scale—are visible. These inconsistencies raised further doubts about the video's authenticity.
As part of our verification, we analysed the video using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. The analysis indicated a 95.7% probability that the video was AI-generated.
As part of our verification, we analysed the video using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. The analysis indicated a 95.7% probability that the video was AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral video does not show a genuine thermal-camera recording of the Amazon River. The footage was created using artificial intelligence and is being circulated online with a false and misleading claim.
Executive Summary
A video showing police personnel dancing on the streets along with civilians is going viral on social media. The clip is being shared with the claim that policemen in West Bengal were celebrating the defeat of Mamata Banerjee and the victory of the BJP.
Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is misleading. The viral video is old and unrelated to the West Bengal elections.
Claim
An X user shared the video on April 26, 2026, alleging that police personnel were celebrating BJP’s victory. The post questioned those raising concerns over EVMs, suggesting that even police were openly rejoicing over the election outcome.
- https://x.com/Minakshishriyan/status/2051490074957930510
- https://archive.is/d81OT
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to a Reddit post dated September 13, 2022, where the same video was shared. The post described it as footage from Ganesh Visarjan celebrations in India, and several users in the comments identified the location as Maharashtra.
Further research led us to a YouTube channel “Yash Arate Vlogs,” which uploaded the same video on September 10, 2022. The description stated that the clip was recorded during Ganpati immersion celebrations in Kolhapur.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0_w5t-4rmTY
We also found media reports from September 2022 indicating that during Ganesh Visarjan in Kolhapur, loud music and festive atmosphere led even on-duty police personnel to briefly join the celebrations.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video does not show any post-election celebration in West Bengal. It is an old clip from Maharashtra, recorded during Ganesh Visarjan festivities, and is being falsely shared with a misleading political claim.
Executive Summary
A photo of Donald Trump is going viral on social media, showing him raising his fist. Users claim the image was taken during a press event in Washington, when security personnel were escorting him out amid reports of gunfire. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral image is AI-generated and is being shared with misleading claims.
Claim
On April 26, 2026, an X user shared the image with the caption: “Thank You, Lord our God, for protecting our President.” The post suggests that Trump made the gesture during a chaotic evacuation at a Washington event.
Fact Check
Reports confirm that Trump and senior officials were hurried away from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25 after gunshots were reportedly heard from a floor above the ballroom. However, no authentic visuals show Trump raising his fist during the evacuation.
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/14/arts/design/trump-photo-raised-fist.html
- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/11/politics/trump-obama-portrait-white-house
Further analysis of the viral image indicates signs of digital manipulation. Google’s SynthID detection tool flagged the file as containing SynthID—an invisible watermark embedded in content generated using Google’s AI tools.
Additionally, AI detection platform Hive Moderation assessed that the image is likely AI-generated or a deepfake.
Conclusion
The research confirms that the viral image of Donald Trump raising his fist during a Washington incident is not real. It was created using AI and is being circulated with a misleading narrative.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely circulated on social media by Pakistani propaganda-linked users, showing a group of people protesting on a road. It is being claimed that protesters in Jammu & Kashmir stopped Indian Army personnel from entering Nagrota, indicating growing public opposition against the forces. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is misleading. The viral video is unrelated to any protest against the Indian Army.
Claim
A user posted the video on X, claiming: “The days of Indian military occupation are numbered; people of Jammu & Kashmir have risen against India. Protesters stopped the Indian Army from entering Nagrota.”
- https://x.com/Stealthfalconer/status/2050301106623045758?s=20
Fact Check
During the research, the CyberPeace Research Wing team found no evidence of any such incident where civilians blocked or opposed the Indian Army in Nagrota. Further probe led to a post by an X user “Defence News Of INDIA,” which contained the full version of the viral video. The accompanying information clarified that the protest took place in Dansal’s Badsu Panchayat area of Nagrota and was led by BJP MLA Devayani Rana.
The protest was organized against the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department over severe water shortage issues in the region. Locals, along with the MLA, staged a sit-in to highlight the lack of water supply.
We also found multiple media reports, including from KBC News – Kashmir and Jammu Links News, confirming that Devayani Rana led a road blockade protest in her constituency over water scarcity and accused the Jal Shakti Department of negligence and administrative failure. Additionally, videos of the same protest were available on social media platforms, including live streams shared from Devayani Rana’s official pages.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral claim is false and misleading. The video does not show any protest against the Indian Army. It is actually from a demonstration led by Devayani Rana and local residents over water shortage issues in Nagrota.
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.
Executive Summary
A video is going viral on social media showing ‘injured’ security personnel being carried into ambulances. The clip is being shared with claims that a terrorist attack recently took place in Kishtwar. The video surfaced nearly a year after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, adding to confusion among users online. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is false. The viral video is actually from a mock drill conducted in Kishtwar, not a real terror incident.
Claim
An Instagram user ‘thenewjbharat’ shared the video on April 30, 2026, claiming that a terrorist attack had taken place again in Kishtwar.
https://www.instagram.com/thenewjbharat/
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led us to the same clip uploaded on April 24, 2026 by an Instagram user ‘kishtwar_breaking_news’. According to the post, the video shows a mock drill conducted by local authorities to assess emergency preparedness. Officials and rescue teams participated in the exercise.
We also found a related news video uploaded on April 23, 2026, by the YouTube channel of Daily Excelsior, which featured visuals matching the viral clip. The report confirmed that the drill was carried out to evaluate readiness for emergency situations.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video does not show a real terrorist attack. It is footage from a mock drill conducted in Kishtwar and is being falsely shared with misleading claims.
Executive Summary
A video of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is going viral on social media. In the clip, he appears to claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed scientists to wash the Agni-6 missile with cow urine, and later use a mixture of cow dung and urine to prevent rusting. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the video is a deepfake, created by manipulating original footage using AI tools. It was also shared by an account previously known for posting anti-India misinformation and is reportedly banned in India.
Claim
An X user named “Lovely” shared the video on May 1, 2026, alleging that Indian scientists were using cow urine and dung in missile development under government direction. The post used derogatory language and criticized India’s scientific community.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we searched relevant keywords on Google but found no credible media reports supporting such statements by the DRDO chief. We then extracted keyframes from the viral clip and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led us to the original video posted by ANI on April 30, 2026. The footage is from the National Security Summit 2.0, where Dr. Kamat spoke about India’s missile development programs.
In the authentic video, Dr. Kamat discusses short-range ballistic missiles like ‘Pralay’, and advancements in hypersonic glide and cruise missile technologies, including scramjet propulsion. There is no mention of cow urine, cow dung, or any such practices.
Further analysis using AI detection tool Aurigin indicated an 88% probability that the viral video was AI-generated or manipulated.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video is fake and AI-manipulated. Dr. Samir V. Kamat never made any statement about washing missiles with cow urine. The clip is a deepfake created to spread misinformation and mislead viewers.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media showing two men seated on chairs when police personnel arrive and begin assaulting them. A flag of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), can also be seen in the footage. The video is being circulated with the claim that during the first phase of polling held on April 23, 2026, two TMC workers were issuing voter slips near a polling booth when security forces reached the spot and beat them. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false. The footage is not recent and has no connection to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Claim:
Social media users alleged that police assaulted TMC workers during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. An X user, Abhimanyu Singh, shared the clip claiming that two “peaceful” TMC workers were sitting near polling stations issuing voter slips when a policeman slapped and beat them with a baton, forcing them to flee.
- https://x.com/Abhimanyu1305/status/2047317736825790549
- https://archive.ph/0ceXH
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, keyframes from the viral video were subjected to a reverse image search. This led to the same video being found on a Facebook page named Canning News, where it had been uploaded in 2023. The caption stated: “Take a look at the situation in Basanti, Canning, on election day.”
Further searches found the clip published by News18 Bangla on July 6, 2023. The report described unrest during the 2023 Panchayat elections, stating that allegations of bomb throwing had surfaced in Basanti the previous night. On the morning of polling, a bomb was reportedly recovered from the roadside, creating panic in the area.
According to the report, police intervened to control the situation and took action wherever crowds had gathered. The footage showed police dispersing people with batons and, at times, physically confronting individuals.
Conclusion:
The viral claim is misleading. The video is from the 2023 Panchayat elections in West Bengal and is being falsely linked to the recent 2026 Assembly elections.
Executive Summary
A video showing a monkey dramatically rescuing a child hanging from a balcony is being widely shared on social media. In the clip, a small child appears to be on the verge of falling when a monkey suddenly arrives, grabs the child, and saves them from falling. Many users praised the monkey’s bravery, while some even described it as a miracle. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral video is not real and was created using AI technology before being shared with misleading claims.
Claim
An X user shared the video claiming that a monkey saved a child from falling off a balcony just in time, astonishing onlookers with its intelligence and quick action. The post described the monkey’s act as heroic and compassionate.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During this process, we found the same video uploaded on April 16, 2026 by an Instagram account named Instagram user mojilo_vandro. The caption described the scene as a “miracle of God.”
A closer review of the account revealed several similar monkey-themed videos. More importantly, the account bio clearly states that it creates AI-based fictional content. We also analyzed the clip using AI detection tool Hive Moderation, which assessed the video as having a 97.6% probability of being AI-generated
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video of a monkey saving a child hanging from a balcony does not depict a real incident. It was digitally created using AI and shared online with misleading claims.
Executive Summary
A video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being widely shared on social media, in which he appears to say that every woman would receive 1 gram of gold free against one Aadhaar card. The clip is being circulated with misleading claims suggesting a government scheme. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the audio of Prime Minister Modi’s 2019 video was manipulated using AI technology and shared with a misleading claim.
Claim
An Instagram user shared the viral video claiming that PM Modi announced free gold for women.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a keyword search on Google but found no credible media reports or official announcements supporting such a scheme. We then extracted keyframes from the viral clip and performed a reverse image search. This led us to the original video uploaded by DD News on February 24, 2019. In the authentic footage, PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Gorakhpur. At no point did he mention distributing gold to women.
Further examination of the viral clip raised suspicions of audio manipulation. We analyzed the speech using AI detection tool Hive Moderation, which indicated a 99% probability that the speech was AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral claim is false. The video uses footage from PM Modi’s 2019 speech, while the original audio appears to have been replaced using AI-generated voice technology to spread a misleading claim about free gold distribution.
Executive Summary
A video of a soldier is being widely circulated on social media with the claim that an Indian Army Air Defence officer named Anurag Thakur resigned, alleging that soldiers martyred during “Operation Sindoor” were ignored by the government. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false. The viral video has been manipulated with AI-generated audio and is being shared with a misleading narrative.
Claim:
Instagram users shared the clip claiming: “Indian Army Air Defence officer Anurag Thakur has resigned. He said the Government of India did not even acknowledge the deaths of soldiers.”
Fact Check:
The research began with keyword searches related to the alleged resignation of an “Indian Army Air Defence JCO Anurag Thakur.” No credible or reputed media report was found supporting such a claim. A reverse image search of a frame from the viral video led to the original footage posted by news agency ANI on its official X account on March 22, 2026. The original video runs for 1 minute and 42 seconds A comparison of both videos showed that in the viral clip, the soldier appears to be speaking in English, whereas in ANI’s authentic video, the same soldier is speaking in Hindi while addressing the media.
In the original video, shared by ANI from Bhuj, Gujarat, the JCO explained that on the morning of May 7, 2025, they learned that Indian armed forces had destroyed enemy terror launch pads, marking the beginning of “Operation Sindoor.” He said he motivated his unit and they were prepared to respond. He further stated that on May 8, an enemy drone heading toward a vital location was detected and shot down using minimal ammunition. Two more drones were sent the following day and were also neutralised. He added that “Operation Sindoor” demonstrated the capability of the Indian Army and Air Defence units.
ANI had also summarised the same remarks in English in its post, which further confirmed that the viral version had been tampered with. For additional verification, the audio from the viral clip was examined using AI-based detection tools. Hiya Deepfake Voice Detector flagged it as likely fake, while Resemble AI also identified the audio as manipulated.
Conclusion:
The viral video claiming that an Indian Army Air Defence JCO resigned over ignored martyrs of “Operation Sindoor” is false. The original footage has been altered and artificial AI-generated audio was added to create a misleading narrative.
Executive Summary
A social media post about the shooting incident during a dinner event for journalists covering the White House is going viral with the claim that the attacker was a Muslim man who was shot dead by security personnel. The accompanying video shows panic inside a hall and alert security officials responding to the situation. wHowever, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is false and misleading. The video is being shared with incorrect information about the identity and fate of the suspect.
Claim:
An Instagram user shared the video on April 26, 2026, claiming that the attacker who targeted Donald Trump was a “jihadi” named Mohammad Ibrahim and that he was killed after being shot multiple times.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, relevant keyword searches were conducted online.
A report published by BBC on April 28, 2026, stated that the suspect accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the Washington dinner event was identified as Cole Thomas Allen. The report said Allen lived with his parents in Los Angeles and was produced in court on April 28.
According to court documents cited in the report, Allen rushed past a security checkpoint carrying a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives. Authorities said one Secret Service agent was injured during the incident before Allen was subdued and taken into custody. A separate report published by NBC News on April 26, 2026, also identified the accused as Cole Thomas Allen and included visuals from the incident, showing the suspect after his arrest.
Conclusion:
The claim that the White House dinner party attacker was a Muslim man named Mohammad Ibrahim is false. The accused has been identified as Cole Thomas Allen, and he was arrested after the incident. Claims that he was killed are also incorrect.
.webp)
Executive Summary
As Tamil Nadu voted in the 2026 Assembly elections, with 84.69 percent polling recorded on April 23, a purported cover page of Frontline magazine began circulating on social media. The viral image featured a massive rally crowd of South Indian actor and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Joseph Vijay, claiming that a “Vijay Wave” had emerged in the state. The alleged cover also stated that Tamil Nadu was witnessing a new political force after five decades, one that had challenged the dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral cover page is fake. Frontline magazine has not published any such edition, and its latest issue is related to health.
Claim:
X user “Dr. Ravishankar Sadasivam” shared the viral image on April 22, 2026, claiming the “wave is real” and suggesting that Vijay could emerge as a top contender in a three-cornered contest. The post further claimed that after MGR, Vijay was drawing the largest spontaneous crowds in Tamil Nadu politics.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, relevant keyword searches were conducted online. During the research, a clarification post from Frontline magazine’s official X account, shared on April 22, 2026, was found. In the post, the publication clearly stated that the viral cover page was fake and had not been published by the magazine. It further said that the fabricated cover was being circulated online by supporters of TVK.
A review of the official Frontline website also found no edition carrying such a cover page.
Additionally, the viral image was analyzed using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation, which rated it as 92 percent likely to be AI-generated.
Conclusion:
The claim that Frontline magazine published a cover story on a “Vijay Wave” during the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is false. The viral cover page is fake and is being circulated online to mislead people.
