AI-Generated Video Falsely Attributes ‘Saffronisation’ Remark to PM Modi

Introduction

India’s digital growth journey has been moving at a tremendous pace. According to MeitY’s report, India’s digital economy is expected to rise to US$ 500 billion by 2025, up from US$ 200 billion in 2019. The digitisation drive that we are experiencing is likely to foster and boost a favourable business environment that will attract rapid investment and augment economic growth across sectors. This will, in turn, compel businesses to adopt digital platforms as solutions to meet customer expectations. Due to accelerated digitisation, cyber risks often deter business growth. Cybercrimes are becoming more rampant and complex and the costs associated with such breaches are not only increasing but also becoming more systemic.

Development of the Cyber Insurance Landscape

Digitization of businesses started in the 1980s with the use of mainframes. Personal computers entered the game and further modified the landscape from the 2000s along with LANs, the internet and the dot-com boom of the 2000s. In the late 1990s, cyber-insurance was developed as a risk management tool to ensure information security. Coverage was limited, and clients included SMEs in need of insurance to qualify for tenders, or community banks too small to hedge the risks of their online banking operations. The first cyber insurance policy was written in 1997 through AIG, against hacking as a third-party liability policy. 

The current trends in the cyber insurance space are focused on the prevention of cyber risks, which by nature are hard to outline and constantly evolving. The result is that the buyers have limited clarity on the types of cyber risks covered under cyber insurance, and even lesser visibility on the scope and amount of optimum coverage. Unfamiliarity with the claim procedure and resolutions, ambiguous claim thresholds during settlements, and confusion around exclusions and coverage of regulatory fines and penalties under a purchased scheme further discourage potential buyers from seriously investing in cyber insurance products. 

Key Factors in Cyber Insurance Evolution and Its Role in Risk Management

The cyber insurance market in India has three key influencing factors, namely the speed of achieving digital maturity, government initiatives to digitise and enforce stringent cyber laws, and the evolving landscape with technology giants and MNCs entering the cyber insurance domain. The latter  are the catalyst for intensifying competition in this market. 

Advancements in technology in terms of AI, machine learning, big data, robotics, blockchain, augmented and virtual reality, and IoT are expected to reshape the insurance industry and help reach untapped audiences in a more digital-forward manner. With the absence of a standard cyber insurance policy, regulators need to take the following variables into consideration while developing cyber insurance policies: the risk insured against, the scope of the loss covered and the limits/ sub-limits.

Challenges 

With the complexity of cyber risks increasing exponentially the challenges to counter the same are growing too which is leading to gaps in the coverage offered for cyber threats. Resultantly, the compliance regulations are dependent on the risks which exist and cyber threat actors adopt new technologies faster and exploit them to their benefit. A lack of historical data and predictability in future cyber risks, the possibility of large overwhelming loss events, uncertainties among market participants about what is specifically covered under such policies, and legal battles over fundamental issues are some of the challenges identified.

Future Outlook/ Recommendations

India's cyber infrastructure requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between government, industry, and academia should be developed. Some recommendations are:

• Risk assessments should be a general practice and the cyber insurance policies should be simplified, clearing the mismatch between the premium paid and insurance coverage and there should be standard verbosity across cyber policy language.
• Promoting R&D tailored to India focused on education programs that have public-private partnerships and global collaborations to share threat intelligence, best practices, and expertise in critical infrastructure protection.
• Cyber insurance can also be promoted as compliance with the DPDP Act, which would lead to better development of cyber infrastructure and cyber hygiene practices.
• Regular updates to cyber insurance policies to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Insurers could create and offer holistic cyber insurance risk management plans.

Conclusion

According to a report by Deloitte in 2023, the cyber insurance market in India is expected to grow by 27-30 per cent in the coming years and it is currently valued at USD 50-60 million, while maintaining a steady 27-30 per cent CAGR in the past three years. The Indian cyber infrastructure’s nature is challenging, however, it offers opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. A proactive approach, supported by robust policies, advanced technologies, and skilled professionals, will be essential to building a resilient cyber infrastructure capable of withstanding evolving threats.

Reference

• https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/nl/Documents/financial-services/deloitte-nl-fsi-demystifying-cyber-insurance-coverage-report.pdf
• https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-what-s-cyber-liablity-insurance-and-why-you-may-need-it-2136556‍
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/insure/cyber-insurance-gains-momentum-in-india-set-to-witness-exponential-growth-deloitte/articleshow/104189297.cms?from=mdr

Executive Summary:
‍‍

A video circulating on social media claims that people in Balochistan, Pakistan, hoisted the Indian national flag and declared independence from Pakistan. The claim has gone viral, sparking strong reactions and spreading misinformation about the geopolitical scenario in South Asia. Our research reveals that the video is misrepresented and actually shows a celebration in Surat, Gujarat, India.

‍

‍

Claim:

‍

A viral video shows people hoisting the Indian flag and allegedly declaring independence from Pakistan in Balochistan. The claim implies that Baloch nationals are revolting against Pakistan and aligning with India.

‍

Fact Check:

‍
After researching the viral video, it became clear that the claim was misleading. We took key screenshots from the video and performed a reverse image search to trace its origin. This search led us to one of the social media posts from the past, which clearly shows the event taking place in Surat, Gujarat, not Balochistan.

‍

‍

In the original clip, a music band is performing in the middle of a crowd, with people holding Indian flags and enjoying the event. The environment, language on signboards, and festive atmosphere all confirm that this is an Indian Independence Day celebration. From a different angle, another photo we found further proves our claim.

‍

‍

However, some individuals with the intention of spreading false information shared this video out of context, claiming it showed people in Balochistan raising the Indian flag and declaring independence from Pakistan. The video was taken out of context and shared with a fake narrative, turning a local celebration into a political stunt. This is a classic example of misinformation designed to mislead and stir public emotions.

To add further clarity, The Indian Express published a report on May 15 titled ‘Slogans hailing Indian Army ring out in Surat as Tiranga Yatra held’. According to the article, “A highlight of the event was music bands of Saifee Scout Surat, which belongs to the Dawoodi Bohra community, seen leading the yatra from Bhagal crossroads.” This confirms that the video was from an event in Surat, completely unrelated to Balochistan, and was falsely portrayed by some to spread misleading claims online.

‍

Conclusion:

‍
The claim that people in Balochistan hoisted the Indian national flag and declared independence from Pakistan is false and misleading. The video used to support this narrative is actually from Surat, Gujarat, India, during “The Tiranga Yatra”. Social media users are urged to verify the authenticity and source of content before sharing, to avoid spreading misinformation that may escalate geopolitical tensions.
‍

• ‍Claim: Mass uprising in Balochistan as citizens reject Pakistan and honor India.
• ‍Claimed On: Social Media
• ‍Fact Check: False and Misleading

Introduction

As we navigate the digital realm that offers unlimited opportunities, it also exposes us to potential cyber threats and scams. A recent incident involving a businessman in Pune serves as a stark reminder of this reality. The victim fell prey to a sophisticated online impersonation fraud, where a cunning criminal posed as a high-ranking official from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). This cautionary tale exposes the inner workings of the scam and highlights the critical need for constant vigilance in the virtual world.

Unveiling the scam

It all began with a phone call received by the victim, who lives in Taware Colony, Pune, on September 5, 2023. The caller, who identified himself as "Manish Pande, department head of HPCL," lured the victim by taking advantage of his online search for an LPG agency. With persuasive tactics, the fraudster claimed to be on the lookout for potential partners.

When a Pune man received a call on September 5, 2023. The caller, who introduced himself as “department head of HPCL”, was actually a cunning fraudster. It turns out, the victim had been searching for an LPG agency online, which the fraudster cleverly used to his advantage. In a twisted plot, the fraudster pretended to be looking for potential locations to establish a new LPG cylinder agency in Pune. 

Enthralled by the illusion

The victim fell for the scam, convinced by the mere presence of "HPCL" in the bank account's name. Firstly victim transferred Rs 14,500 online as “registration fees”. Things got worse when, without suspicion, the victim obediently transferred Rs 1,48,200 on September 11 for a so-called "dealership certificate." To add to the charade of legitimacy, the fraudster even sent the victim registration and dealership certificates via email.

Adding to the deception, the fraudster, who had targeted the victim after discovering his online inquiry, requested photos of the victim's property and personal documents, including Aadhaar and PAN cards, educational certificates, and a cancelled cheque. These seemingly legitimate requests only served to reinforce the victim's belief in the scam.

The fraudster said they were looking for a place to allot a new LPG cylinder agency in Pune and would like to see if the victim’s place fits in their criteria. The victim agreed as it was a profitable business opportunity. The fraudster called the victim to “confirm” that his documents have been verified and assured that HPCL would be allotting him an LPG cylinder agency. On September 12, the fraudster again demanded a sum of money, this time for the issuance of an "HPCL license." 

As the victim responded that he did not have the money, the fraudster insisted on an immediate payment of at least 50 per cent of the stipulated amount. So the victim transferred Rs 1,95,200 online. On the following day the 13th of September 2023, the fraudster asked the victim for the remaining amount. The victim said he would arrange the money in a few days. Meanwhile, on the same day, the victim went to the HPCL’s office in the Pune Camp area with the documents he had received through the emails. The HPCL employees confirmed these documents were fake, even though they looked very similar to the originals. The disclosure was a pivotal moment, causing the victim to fully comprehend the magnitude of the deceit and ultimately pursue further measures against the cybercriminal.

Best Practices

• Ensuring Caller Identity- Prioritize confirming the identity of anyone reaching out to you, especially when conducting financial transactions. Hold back from divulging confidential information until you have verified the credibility of the request. 
• Utilize Official Channels- Communicate with businesses or governmental organizations through their verified contact details found on their official websites or trustworthy sources. Avoid solely relying on information gathered from online searches. 
• Maintaining Skepticism with Unsolicited Communication- Exercise caution when approached by unexpected calls or emails, particularly those related to monetary transactions. Beware of manipulative tactics used by scammers to pressure swift decisions.
• Double-Check Information- To ensure accuracy, it is important to validate the information given by the caller on your own. This can be done by double-checking and cross-referencing the details with the official source. If you come across any suspicious activities, do not hesitate to report it to the proper authorities. 
• Report Suspicious Activities- Reporting can aid in conducting investigations and providing assistance to the victim and also preventing similar incidents from occurring.  It is crucially important to promptly report cyber crimes so law enforcement agencies can take appropriate action. A powerful resource available to victims of cybercrime is the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, equipped with a 24x7 helpline number, 1930. This portal serves as a centralized platform for reporting cybercrimes, including financial fraud.

Conclusion

This alarming event serves as a powerful wake-up call to the constant danger posed by online fraud. It is crucial for individuals to remain sceptical, diligently verifying the credibility of unsolicited contacts and steering clear of sharing personal information on the internet. As technology continues to evolve, so do the strategies of cyber criminals, heightening the need for users to stay on guard and knowledgeable in the complex digital world.

References:

• https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/cybercriminal-posing-hindustan-petroleum-official-cheat-pune-man-9081057/
• https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/crime/pune-man-duped-of-rs-3-5-lakh-by-cyber-fraudster-impersonating-hpcl-official-article-106253358