#Fact Check: Old Photo Misused to Claim Israeli Helicopter Downed in Lebanon!

Executive Summary:

A post on X (formerly Twitter) has gained widespread attention, featuring an image inaccurately asserting that Houthi rebels attacked a power plant in Ashkelon, Israel. This misleading content has circulated widely amid escalating geopolitical tensions. However, investigation shows that the footage actually originates from a prior incident in Saudi Arabia. This situation underscores the significant dangers posed by misinformation during conflicts and highlights the importance of verifying sources before sharing information.

Claims:

The viral video claims to show Houthi rebels attacking Israel's Ashkelon power plant as part of recent escalations in the Middle East conflict.

Fact Check:

Upon receiving the viral posts, we conducted a Google Lens search on the keyframes of the video. The search reveals that the video circulating online does not refer to an attack on the Ashkelon power plant in Israel. Instead, it depicts a 2022 drone strike on a Saudi Aramco facility in Abqaiq. There are no credible reports of Houthi rebels targeting Ashkelon, as their activities are largely confined to Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

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This incident highlights the risks associated with misinformation during sensitive geopolitical events. Before sharing viral posts, take a brief moment to verify the facts. Misinformation spreads quickly and it’s far better to rely on trusted fact-checking sources.

Conclusion:

The assertion that Houthi rebels targeted the Ashkelon power plant in Israel is incorrect. The viral video in question has been misrepresented and actually shows a 2022 incident in Saudi Arabia. This underscores the importance of being cautious when sharing unverified media. Before sharing viral posts, take a moment to verify the facts. Misinformation spreads quickly, and it is far better to rely on trusted fact-checking sources.

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• Claim: The video shows massive fire at Israel's Ashkelon power plant
• Claimed On:Instagram and X (Formerly Known As Twitter)
• Fact Check: False and Misleading 

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Introduction

The 2023-24 annual report of the Union Home Ministry states that WhatsApp is among the primary platforms being targeted for cyber fraud in India, followed by Telegram and Instagram. Cybercriminals have been conducting frauds like lending and investment scams, digital arrests, romance scams, job scams, online phishing etc., through these platforms, creating trauma for victims and overburdening law enforcement, which is not always the best equipped to recover their money. WhatsApp’s scale, end-to-end encryption, and ease of mass messaging make it both a powerful medium of communication and a vulnerable target for bad actors. It has over 500 million users in India, which makes it a primary subject for scammers running illegal lending apps, phishing schemes, and identity fraud. 

Action Taken by Whatsapp

As a response to this worrying trend and in keeping with Rule 4(1)(d) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, [updated as of 6.4.2023], WhatsApp has been banning millions of Indian accounts through automated tools, AI-based detection systems, and behaviour analysis, which can detect suspicious activity and misuse. In July 2021, it banned over 2 million accounts. By February 2025, this number had shot up to over 9.7 million, with  1.4 million accounts removed proactively, that is, before any user reported them.  While this may mean that the number of attacks has increased, or WhatsApp’s detection systems have improved, or both,  what it surely signals is the acknowledgement of a deeper, systemic challenge to India’s digital ecosystem and the growing scale and sophistication of cyber fraud, especially on encrypted platforms. 

CyberPeace Insights

1. Under Rule 4(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, significant social media intermediaries (SSMIs) are required to implement automated tools to detect harmful content. But enforcement has been uneven. WhatsApp’s enforcement action demonstrates what effective compliance with proactive moderation can look like because of the scale and transparency of its actions. 
2. Platforms must treat fraud not just as a content violation but as a systemic abuse of the platform’s infrastructure. 
3. India is not alone in facing this challenge. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), for instance, mandates large platforms to conduct regular risk assessments, maintain algorithmic transparency, and allow independent audits of their safety mechanisms. These steps go beyond just removing bad content by addressing the design of the platform itself. India can draw from this by codifying a baseline standard for fraud detection, requiring platforms to publish detailed transparency reports, and clarifying the legal expectations around proactive monitoring. Importantly, regulators must ensure this is done without compromising encryption or user privacy.
4. WhatsApp’s efforts are part of a broader, emerging ecosystem of threat detection. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is now sharing threat intelligence with platforms like Google and Meta to help take down scam domains, malicious apps, and sponsored Facebook ads promoting illegal digital lending. This model of public-private intelligence collaboration should be institutionalized and scaled across sectors.

Conclusion: Turning Enforcement into Policy

WhatsApp’s mass account ban is not just about enforcement but an example of how platforms must evolve. As India becomes increasingly digital, it needs a forward-looking policy framework that supports proactive monitoring, ethical AI use, cross-platform coordination, and user safety. The digital safety of users in India and those around the world must be built into the architecture of the internet.

References

• https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.8562-6/486805827_1197340372070566_282096906288453586_n.pdf?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=b8d81d&_nc_ohc=BRGwyxF87MgQ7kNvwHyyW8u&_nc_oc=AdnNG2wXIN5F-Pefw_FTt2T4K6POllUyKpO7nxwzCWxNgQEkVLllHmh81AHT2742dH8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&_nc_gid=iaQzNQ8nBZzxuIS4rXLOkQ&oh=00_AfEnbac47YDXvymJ5vTVB-gXteibjpbTjY5uhP_sMN9ouw&oe=67F95BF0 
• https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.8562-6/217535270_342765227288666_5007519467044742276_n.pdf?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=b8d81d&_nc_ohc=aj6og9xy5WQQ7kNvwG9Vzkd&_nc_oc=AdnDtVbrQuo4lm3isKg5O4cw5PHkp1MoMGATVpuAdOUUz-xyJQgWztGV1PBovGACQ9c&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&_nc_gid=gabMfhEICh_gJFiN7vwzcA&oh=00_AfE7lXd9JJlEZCpD4pxW4OOc03BYcp1e3KqHKN9-kaPGMQ&oe=67FD6FD3 
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/whatsapp-is-most-used-platform-for-cyber-crimes-home-ministry-report-101735719475701.html 
• https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/whatsapp-bans-over-97-lakhs-indian-accounts-to-protect-users-from-scam-2702781-2025-04-02 

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Introduction

Digitalisation presents both opportunities and challenges for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in emerging markets. Digital tools can increase business efficiency and reach but also increase exposure to misinformation, fraud, and cyber attacks. Such cyber threats can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and other challenges hindering MSMEs' ability and desire to participate in the digital economy.

The current information dump is a major component of misinformation. Misinformation spreads or emerges from online sources, causing controversy and confusion in various fields including politics, science, medicine, and business. One obvious adverse effect of misinformation is that MSMEs might lose trust in the digital market. Misinformation can even result in the devaluation of a product, sow mistrust among customers, and negatively impact the companies’ revenue. The reach of and speed with which misinformation can spread and ruin companies’ brands, as well as the overall difficulty businesses face in seeking recourse, may discourage MSMEs from fully embracing the digital ecosystem. 

MSMEs are essential for innovation, job development, and economic growth. They contribute considerably to the GDP and account for a sizable share of enterprises. They serve as engines of economic resilience in many nations, including India. Hence, a developing economy’s prosperity and sustainability depend on the MSMEs' growth and such digital threats might hinder this process of growth. 

There are widespread incidents of misinformation on social media, and these affect brand and product promotion. MSMEs also rely on online platforms for business activities, and threats such as misinformation and other digital risks can result in reputational damage and financial losses. A company's reputation being tarnished due to inaccurate information or a product or service being incorrectly represented are just some examples and these incidents can cause MSMSs to lose clients and revenue.

In the digital era, MSMEs need to be vigilant against false information in order to preserve their brand name, clientele, and financial standing. In the interconnected world of today, these organisations must develop digital literacy and resistance against misinformation in order to succeed in the long run. Information resilience is crucial for protecting and preserving their reputation in the online market.

The Impact of Misinformation on MSMEs

Misinformation can have serious financial repercussions, such as lost sales, higher expenses, legal fees, harm to the company's reputation, diminished consumer trust, bad press, and a long-lasting unfavourable impact on image. A company's products may lose value as a result of rumours, which might affect both sales and client loyalty. 

Inaccurate information can also result in operational mistakes, which can interrupt regular corporate operations and cost the enterprise a lot of money. When inaccurate information on a product's safety causes demand to decline and stockpiling problems to rise, supply chain disruptions may occur. Misinformation can also lead to operational and reputational issues, which can cause psychological stress and anxiety at work. The peace of the workplace and general productivity may suffer as a result. For MSMEs, false information has serious repercussions that impact their capacity to operate profitably, retain employees, and maintain a sustainable business. Companies need to make investments in cybersecurity defence, legal costs, and restoring consumer confidence and brand image in order to lessen the effects of false information and ensure smooth operations.

When we refer to the financial implications caused by misinformation spread in the market, be it about the product or the enterprise, the cost is two-fold in all scenarios: there is loss of revenue and then the organisation has to contend with the costs of countering the impact of the misinformation. Stock Price Volatility is one financial consequence for publicly-traded MSMEs, as misinformation can cause stock price fluctuations. Potential investors might be discouraged due to false negative information.

Further, the reputational damage consequences of misinformation on MSMEs is also a serious concern as a loss of their reputation can have long-term damages for a carefully-cultivated brand image. 

There are also operational disruptions caused by misinformation: for instance, false product recalls can take place and supplier mistrust or false claims about supplier reliability can disrupt procurement leading to disruptions in the operations of MSMEs. 

Misinformation can negatively impact employee morale and productivity due to its physiological effects. This leads to psychological stress and workplace tensions. Staff confidence is also affected due to the misinformation about the brand. Internal operational stability is a core component of any organisation’s success. 

Misinformation: Key Risk Areas for MSMEs

1. Product and Service Misinformation

For MSMEs, misinformation about products and services poses a serious danger since it undermines their credibility and the confidence clients place in the enterprise and its products or services. Because this misleading material might mix in with everyday activities and newsfeeds, viewers may find it challenging to identify fraudulent content. For example, falsehoods and rumours about a company or its goods may travel quickly through social media, impacting the confidence and attitude of customers. Algorithms that favour sensational material have the potential to magnify disinformation, resulting in the broad distribution of erroneous information that can harm a company's brand.

2. False Customer Reviews and Testimonials

False testimonies and evaluations pose a serious risk to MSMEs. These might be abused to damage a company's brand or lead to unfair competition. False testimonials, for instance, might mislead prospective customers about the calibre or quality of a company’s offerings, while phony reviews can cause consumers to mistrust a company's goods or services. These actions frequently form a part of larger plans by rival companies or bad individuals to weaken a company's position in the market.

3. Misleading Information about Business Practices

False statements or distortions regarding a company's operations constitute misleading information about business practices. This might involve dishonest marketing, fabrications regarding the efficacy or legitimacy of goods, and inaccurate claims on a company's compliance with laws or moral principles. Such incorrect information can result in a decline in consumer confidence, harm to one's reputation, and even legal issues if consumers or rival businesses act upon it. Even before the truth is confirmed, for example, allegations of wrongdoing or criminal activity pertaining can inflict a great deal of harm, even if they are disproven later.

4. Fake News Related to Industry and Market Conditions

By skewing consumer views and company actions, fake news about market and industry circumstances can have a significant effect on MSMEs. For instance, false information about market trends, regulations, or economic situations might make consumers lose faith in particular industries or force corporations to make poor strategic decisions. The rapid dissemination of misinformation on online platforms intensifies its effects on enterprises that significantly depend on digital engagement for their operations.

Factors Contributing to the Vulnerability of MSMEs

1. Limited Resources for Verification

MSMEs have a small resource pool. Information verification is typically not a top priority for most. MSMEs usually lack the resources needed to verify the information and given their limited resources, they usually tend to deploy the same towards other, more seemingly-critical functions. They are more susceptible to misleading information because they lack the capacity to do thorough fact-checking or validate the authenticity of digital content. Technology tools, human capital, and financial resources are all in low supply but they are essential requirements for effective verification processes.

2. Inadequate Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is required for effective day-to-day operations. Fake reviews, rumours, or fake images commonly used by malicious actors can result in increased scrutiny or backlash against the targeted business. The lack of awareness combined with limited resources usually spells out a pale redressal plan on part of the affected MSME. Due to their low digital literacy in this domain, a large number of MSMEs are more susceptible to false information and other online threats. Inadequate knowledge and abilities to use digital platforms securely and effectively can result in making bad decisions and raising one's vulnerability to fraud, deception, and online scams.

3. Lack of Crisis Management Plans

MSMEs frequently function without clear-cut procedures for handling crises. They lack the strategic preparation necessary to deal with the fallout from disinformation and cyberattacks. Proactive crisis management plans usually incorporate procedures for detecting, addressing, and lessening the impact of digital harms, which are frequently absent from MSMEs.

4. High Dependence on Social Media and Online Platforms

The marketing strategy for most MSMEs is heavily reliant on social media and online platforms. While the digital-first nature of operations reduces the need for a large capital to set up in the form of stores or outlets, it also gives them a higher need to stay relevant to the trends of the online community and make their products attractive to the customer base. However, MSMEs are depending more and more on social media and other online channels for marketing, customer interaction, and company operations. These platforms are really beneficial, but they also put organisations at a higher risk of false information and online fraud. Heavy reliance on these platforms coupled with the absence of proper security measures and awareness can result in serious interruptions to operations and monetary losses.

CyberPeace Policy Recommendations to Enhance Information Resilience for MSMEs

CyberPeace advocates for establishing stronger legal frameworks to protect MSMEs from misinformation. Governments should establish regulations to build trust in online business activities and mitigate fraud and misinformation risks. Mandatory training programs should be implemented to cover online safety and misinformation awareness for MSME businesses. Enhanced reporting mechanisms should be developed to address digital harm incidents promptly. Governments should establish strict penalties for deliberate inaccurate misinformation spreaders, similar to those for copyright or intellectual property violations. Community-based approaches should be encouraged to help MSMEs navigate digital challenges effectively. Donor communities and development agencies should invest in digital literacy and cybersecurity training for MSMEs, focusing on misinformation mitigation and safe online practices. Platform accountability should be increased, with social media and online platforms playing a more active role in removing content from known scam networks and responding to fraudulent activity reports. There should be investment in comprehensive digital literacy solutions for MSMEs that incorporate cyber hygiene and discernment skills to combat misinformation.

‍Conclusion

Misinformation poses a serious risk to MSME’s digital resilience, operational effectiveness, and financial stability. MSMEs are susceptible to false information because of limited technical resources, lack of crisis management strategies, and insufficient digital literacy. They are also more vulnerable to false information and online fraud because of their heavy reliance on social media and other online platforms. To address these challenges it is significant to strengthen their cyber hygiene and information resilience. Robust policy and regulatory frameworks are encouraged, promoting and mandating online safety training programmes, and improved reporting procedures, are required to overall enhance the information landscape. 

References:

1. https://www.dai.com/uploads/digital-downsides.pdf
2. https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/2013/3/A2006-27.pdf
3. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1946375
4. https://dai-global-digital.com/digital-downsides-the-economic-impact-of-misinformation-and-other-digital-harms-on-msmes-in-kenya-india-and-cambodia.html
5. https://www.dai.com/uploads/digital-downsides.pdf

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