#FactCheck - AI Generated image of Virat Kohli falsely claims to be sand art of a child
Executive Summary:
The picture of a boy making sand art of Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli spreading in social media, claims to be false. The picture which was portrayed, revealed not to be a real sand art. The analyses using AI technology like 'Hive' and ‘Content at scale AI detection’ confirms that the images are entirely generated by artificial intelligence. The netizens are sharing these pictures in social media without knowing that it is computer generated by deep fake techniques.
Claims:
The collage of beautiful pictures displays a young boy creating sand art of Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli.
Fact Check:
When we checked on the posts, we found some anomalies in each photo. Those anomalies are common in AI-generated images.
The anomalies such as the abnormal shape of the child’s feet, blended logo with sand color in the second image, and the wrong spelling ‘spoot’ instead of ‘sport’n were seen in the picture. The cricket bat is straight which in the case of sand made portrait it’s odd. In the left hand of the child, there’s a tattoo imprinted while in other photos the child's left hand has no tattoo. Additionally, the face of the boy in the second image does not match the face in other images. These made us more suspicious of the images being a synthetic media.
We then checked on an AI-generated image detection tool named, ‘Hive’. Hive was found to be 99.99% AI-generated. We then checked from another detection tool named, “Content at scale”
Hence, we conclude that the viral collage of images is AI-generated but not sand art of any child. The Claim made is false and misleading.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the claim that the pictures showing a sand art image of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli made by a child is false. Using an AI technology detection tool and analyzing the photos, it appears that they were probably created by an AI image-generated tool rather than by a real sand artist. Therefore, the images do not accurately represent the alleged claim and creator.
Claim: A young boy has created sand art of Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli
Claimed on: X, Facebook, Instagram
Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
Related Blogs
Executive Summary:
A dramatic image circulating online, showing a Boeing 787 of Air India engulfed in flames after crashing into a building in Ahmedabad, is not a genuine photograph from the incident. Our research has confirmed it was created using artificial intelligence.
Claim:
Social media posts and forwarded messages allege that the image shows the actual crash of Air India Flight AI‑171 near Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025.
Fact Check:
In our research to validate the authenticity of the viral image, we conducted a reverse image search and analyzed it using AI-detection tools like Hive Moderation. The image showed clear signs of manipulation, distorted details, and inconsistent lighting. Hive Moderation flagged it as “Likely AI-generated”, confirming it was synthetically created and not a real photograph.
In contrast, verified visuals and information about the Air India Flight AI-171 crash have been published by credible news agencies like The Indian Express and Hindustan Times, confirmed by the aviation authorities. Authentic reports include on-ground video footage and official statements, none of which feature the viral image. This confirms that the circulating photo is unrelated to the actual incident.
Conclusion:
The viral photograph is a fabrication, created by AI, not a real depiction of the Ahmedabad crash. It does not represent factual visuals from the tragedy. It’s essential to rely on verified images from credible news agencies and official investigation reports when discussing such sensitive events.
- Claim: An Air India Boeing aircraft crashed into a building near Ahmedabad airport
- Claimed On: Social Media
- Fact Check: False and Misleading
Introduction
In a setback to the Centre, the Bombay High Court on Friday 20th September 2024, struck down the provisions under IT Amendment Rules 2023, which empowered the Central Government to establish Fact Check Units (FCUs) to identify ‘fake and misleading’ information about its business on social media platforms.
Chronological Overview
- On 6th April 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 (IT Amendment Rules, 2023). These rules introduced new provisions to establish a fact-checking unit with respect to “any business of the central government”. This amendment was done In exercise of the powers conferred by section 87 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. (IT Act).
- On 20 March 2024, the Central Government notified the Press Information Bureau (PIB) as FCU under rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules 2023 (IT Amendment Rules 2023).
- The next day on 21st March 2024, the Supreme Court stayed the Centre's decision on notifying PIB -FCU, considering the pendency of the proceedings before the High Court of Judicature at Bombay. A detailed analysis covered by CyberPeace on the Supreme Court Stay decision can be accessed here.
- In the latest development, the Bombay High Court on 20th September 2024, struck down the provisions under IT Amendment Rules 2023, which empowered the Central Government to establish Fact Check Units (FCUs) to identify ‘fake and misleading’ information about its business on social media platforms.
Brief Overview of Bombay High Court decision dated 20th September 2024
Justice AS Chandurkar was appointed as the third judge after a split verdict in January 2023 by a division bench consisting of Justices Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhal. As a Tie-breaker judge' Justice AS Chandurkar delivered the decision striking down provisions for setting up a Fact Check Unit under IT amendment 2023 rules. Striking down the Centre's proposed fact check unit provision, Justice A S Chandurkar of Bombay High Court also opined that there was no rationale to undertake an exercise in determining whether information related to the business of the Central govt was fake or false or misleading when in digital form but not doing the same when such information was in print. It was also contended that there is no justification to introduce an FCU only in relation to the business of the Central Government. Rule 3(1)(b)(v) has a serious chilling effect on the exercise of the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution since the communication of the view of the FCU will result in the intermediary simply pulling down the content for fear of consequences or losing the safe harbour provision given under IT Act.
Justice Chandurkar held that the expressions ‘fake, false or misleading’ are ‘vague and overbroad’, and that the ‘test of proportionality’ is not satisfied. Rule 3(1)(b)(v), was violative of Articles 14 and 19 (1) (a) and 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution and it is “ultra vires”, or beyond the powers, of the IT Act.
Role of Expert Organisations in Curbing Mis/Disinformation and Fake News
In light of the recent developments, and the rising incidents of Mis/Disinformation and Fake News it becomes significantly important that we all stand together in the fight against these challenges. The actions against Mis/Disinformation and fake news should be strengthened by collective efforts, the expert organisations like CyberPeace Foundation plays an key role in enabling and encouraging netizens to exercise caution and rely on authenticated sources, rather than solely rely on govt FCU to block the content.
Mis/Disinformation and Fake News should be stopped, identified and countered by netizens at the very first stage of its spread. In light of the Bombay High Court's decision to stuck down the provision related to setting up the FCU by the Central Government, it entails that the government's intention to address misinformation related solely to its business/operations may not have been effectively communicated in the eyes of the judiciary.
It is high time to exercise collective efforts against Mis/Disinformation and Fake News and support expert organizations who are actively engaged in conducting proactive measures, and campaigns to target these challenges, specifically in the online information landscape. CyberPeace actively publishes fact-checking reports and insights on Prebunking and Debunking, conducts expert sessions and takes various key steps aimed at empowering netizens to build cognitive defences to recognise the susceptible information, disregard misleading claims and prevent further spreads to ensure the true online information landscape.
References:
- https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2024/09/20/bombay-high-court-it-rules-amendment-2023-fact-check-units-article14-article19-legal-news/#:~:text=Bombay%20High%20Court%3A%20A%20case,grounds%20that%20it%20violated%20constitutional
- https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/bombay-hc-strikes-down-it-act-amendment-fact-check-unit-9579044/
- https://www.cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/supreme-court-stay-on-centres-notification-of-pibs-fact-check-unit-under-it-amendment-rules-2023
On 22nd October 2024, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Communications, launched the (DoT) Department of Telecoms’ International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System. This was introduced in light of efforts toward preventing international fraudulent calls that enable cyber crimes. A recent report as per PIB claims for the system to have been effective and played a role in a 90% reduction in the number of spoofed international calls, its instances falling from 1.35 Crore to 6 Lakhs within two months of the launch of the system.
International spoof calls are calls that masquerade as numbers originating from within the country when displayed on the target's mobile screen. This is done by manipulating the calling line identity or the CLI, commonly known as the phone number. Previous cases reported mention that such spoof calls have been used for conducting financial scams, impersonating government officials to carry out digital arrests, and inducing panic. Instances of threats of disconnecting numbers by TRAI officials, and narcotics officials on finding drugs or even contraband through couriers are also rampant.
International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System
As was addressed in the Budget in 2024, the system was previously called the Centralised International Out Roamer (CIOR), and the DoT was allocated Rs.38.76 crore for the same. The Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) under the DoT is another project that aims to investigate and research fraudulent use of telecom resources, including messages, scams, and spam - the budget for which has been increased from 50 to 85 crores.
The International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System was implemented in two phases, the first one was at the level of the telephone companies (telcos). Telcos can verify their subscribers and Indian SIMs based on the Indian Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) international long-distance (ILD) network. When a user with an Indian number travels abroad, the roaming feature gets activated, and all calls hit the ILD network of the TSP. This allows the TSP to verify whether the numbers starting with +91 are genuinely making calls from abroad or from India. However, a TSP can only verify numbers that are issued with their TSP ILD network and not those of other TSPs. This issue was addressed in the second phase, as the DIU of DoT and the TSPs built an integrated system so that a centralised database could be used to check for genuine subscribers.
CyberPeace Outlook
A press release on 23rd December 2024 encouraged the TSPs to label incoming International calls as International calls on the mobile screen of the receiver. Some of them have already started adding labels and are sending awareness messages informing their subscribers of tips on staying safe from scams. Apart from these, there are also applications available online that help in identifying callers and their location, however, these are at the behest of the users' efforts and have moderate trust value. At the level of the public, the practice of blocking unknown international numbers and not calling back, along with awareness regarding country codes is encouraged. Coordinated and updated efforts on the part of the Government and the TSPs are much appreciated in today's time as scammers continue to find new ways to commit cyber crimes using telecommunication resources.
References
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jyotiraditya-scindia-launches-dot-system-to-block-spam-international-calls-101729615441509.html
- https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/centre-launches-system-to-block-international-spoofed-calls-curb-fraud-124102300449_1.html
- https://www.opindia.com/2024/12/number-of-spoofed-international-calls-used-in-cyber-crimes-goes-down-by-90-in-2-months/
- https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/telecom/telecom-department-anti-spoofed-international-calls-19529459.htm
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2067113
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2087644
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/display-international-call-for-calls-from-abroad-to-curb-scams-dot-to-telecos-101735050551449.html
