#FactCheck – False Claim of Lord Ram's Hologram in Srinagar - Video Actually from Dehradun

Introduction

Google.org is committed to stepping ahead to enhance Internet safety and responsible online behaviour. ‘Google for INDIA 2023’, an innovative conclave, took place on 19th October 2023. Google.org has embarked on its vision for a safer Internet and combating misinformation, financial frauds and other threats that come from bad actors. Alphabet Big Tech is committed to leading this charter and engaging with all stakeholders, including government agencies. Google.org has partnered with CyberPeace Foundation to foster a safer online environment and empower users on informed decisions on the Internet. CyberPeace will run a nationwide awareness and capacity-building Initiative equipping more than 40 Million Indian netizens with fact-checking techniques, tools, SoPs, and guidance for responsible and safe online behaviour. The campaign will be deployed in 15 Indian regional languages as a comprehensive learning outcome for the whole nation. Together, Google.org and CyberPeace Foundation aim to make the Internet safer for everyone and work in a direction to ensure that progress for everyone is built on a strong foundation of trusted information available on the Internet and pursuing the true spirit of “Technology for Good”.

Google.org and CyberPeace together for enhanced online safety

A new $4 million grant to CyberPeace Foundation will support a nationwide awareness-building program and comprehensive multilingual digital resource hub with content available in up to 15 Indian languages to empower nearly 40 million underserved people across the country in building resilience against misinformation and practice responsible online behaviour.  Together, Google.org and CyberPeace are on their way to creating a strong pathway of trusted Internet and a safer digital environment. The said campaign will be undertaken for a duration of 3 years, and the following key components will run at the core of the same: 

• CyberPeace Corps Volunteers: This will be a pan India volunteer engagement initiative to create a community of 9 million CyberPeace Ambassadors/First Responders/Volunteers to fight misinformation and promote responsible online behaviour going far into the rural, marginalised and most vulnerable strata of society. 
• Digital Resource Hub: In pursuance of the campaign, CyberPeace is developing a cutting-edge platform offering a wealth of resources on media literacy, responsible content creation, and cyber hygiene translated into 15 Indian regional languages for a widespread impact on the ground. 
• Public Sensitisation: CyberPeace will be conducting an organic series of online and offline events focusing on empowering netizens to discern fact from fiction. These sensitisation drives will be taken on by start master trainers from different regions of India to ensure all states and UTs are impacted. 
• CyberPeace Quick Reaction Team: A specialised team of tech enthusiasts that will work closely with platforms to rapidly address new-age cyber threats and misinformation campaigns in real-time and establish best practices and SoPs for the diverse elements in the industries. 
• Engaging Multimedia Content: With CyberPeace’s immense expertise in E-Course and digital content, the campaign will produce a range of multilingual multimedia resources, including informative videos, posters, games, contests, infographics, and more.
• Fact-check unit: Fact-check units will play a crucial role in monitoring, identifying, and doing fact analysis of the suspected information and overall busting the growing incidents of misinformation. Fake news or misinformation has negative consequences on society at large. The fact-check units play a significant role in controlling the widespread of misinformation. 

‍

Fight Against Misinformation 

Misinformation is rampant all across the world and requires attention. With the increasing penetration of social media and the internet, this remains a global issue. Google.org has taken up the initiative to address this issue in India and, in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation taken a proactive step to multiple avenues for mass-scale awareness and upskilling campaigns have been piloted to make an impact on the ground with the vision of upskilling over 40 Million people in the country and building resilience against misinformation and practicing responsible online behavior. 

‍

Maj Vineet Kumar, Founder of CyberPeace, said,

"In an era in which digital is deeply intertwined with our lives, knowing how to discern, act on, and share the credible from the wealth of information available online is critical to our well-being, and of our families and communities. Through this initiative, we’re committing to help Internet users across India become informed, empowered and responsible netizens leading through conversations and actions. Whether it’s in fact-checking information before sharing it, or refraining from sharing unverified news, we all play an important role in building a web that is a safe and inclusive space for everyone, and we are extremely grateful to Google.org for propelling us forward in this mission with their grant support.”

‍

Annie Lewin, Senior Director of Global Advocacy and Head of Asia Pacific, Google.org said:

“We have a longstanding commitment to supporting changemakers using technology to solve humanity's biggest challenges. And, the innovation and zeal of Indian nonprofit organisations has inspired us to deepen our commitment in India. With the new grant to CyberPeace Foundation, we are proud to support solutions that speak directly to Google’s DNA, helping first-time internet users chart their path in a digital world with confidence. Such solutions give us pride and hope that each step, built on a strong foundation of trusted information, will translate into progress for all.”

‍

Conclusion

Google.org has partnered with government agencies and other Indian organisations with the vision of future-proof India for digital public infrastructure and staying a step ahead for Internet safety, keeping the citizens safe online. Google.org is taking its largest step yet towards online safety in India. There is widespread misinformative content and information in the digital media space or on the internet. This proactive initiative of Google.org in collaboration with CyberPeace is a commendable step to prevent the spread of misinformation and empower users to act responsibly while sharing any information and making informed decisions while using the Internet, hence creating a safe digital environment for everyone.

‍References:

• https://www.youtube.com/live/-b4lTVjOsXY?feature=shared
• https://blog.google/intl/en-in/products/google-for-india-2023-product-announcements/
• https://blog.google/intl/en-in/partnering-indias-success-in-a-new-digital-paradigm/
• https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/google-to-debut-credit-in-india-announces-a-slew-of-ai-powered-launches/104547623
• https://theprint.in/economy/google-for-india-2023-tech-giant-says-it-removed-2-million-violative-videos-in-q2-2023/1810201/

‍

Introduction

Lost your phone? How to track and block your lost or stolen phone? Fear not, Say hello to Sanchar Saathi, the newly launched portal by the government. The smartphone has become an essential part of our daily life, our lots of personal data are stored in our smartphones, and if a phone is lost or stolen, it can be a frustrating experience. With the government initiative launching Sanchar Saathi Portal, you can now track and block your lost or stolen smartphone. The Portal uses a central equipment identity register to help users block their lost phones. It helps you track your lost and stolen smartphone. So now, say hello to Sanchar Saathi, the newly launched portal by the government. Users should keep an FIR copy of their lost/stolen smartphone handy for using certain features of the portal. FIR copy is also required for tracking the phone on the website. This portal allows users to track lost/stolen smartphones, and they can block the device across all telecom networks.

Preventing Data Leakage and Mobile Phone Theft

When you lose your phone or your phone is stolen, you worry as your smartphone holds your various personal sensitive information such as your bank account information, UPI IDs, and social media accounts such as WhatsApp, which cause a serious concern of data leakage and misuse in such a situation. Sanchar saathi portal addresses this problem and serves as a platform for blocking data saved on a lost or stolen device. This feature protects the users against financial fraud, identity thrift, and data leakage by blocking access to your lost or stolen device and ensuring that unauthorised parties cannot access or abuse important information.

How the Sanchar Saathi Portal Works

To file a complaint regarding their lost or stolen smartphones the users are required to provide IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. The official website of the portal is https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/ users can access the “Citizen Centric Services” option on the homepage. Then users may, by clicking on “Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile”, can fill out the form. Users need to fill in details such as IMEI number, contact number, model number of the smartphone, mobile purchase invoice, and information such as the date, time, district, and state where the device was lost or stolen. Users must keep a copy of the FIR handy and fill in their personal information, such as their name, email address, and residence. After completing and selecting the ‘Complete tab’, the form will be submitted, and access to the lost/stolen smartphone will be blocked.

Enhancing Security with SIM Card Verification

Using this portal, users can access their associated sim card numbers and block any unauthorised use. In this way portal allows owners to take immediate action if their sim card is being used or misused by someone else. The Sanchar Saathi Portal allows you to check the status of active SIM cards registered under an individual’s name. And it is an extra security feature provided by the portal. This proactive strategy helps users to safeguard their personal information against possible abuse and identity theft.

Advantages of the Sanchar Saathi Portal

The Sanchar Saathi platform offers various benefits for reducing mobile phone theft and protecting personal data.  The portal offers a simplified and user-friendly platform for making complaints. The online complaint tracking function keeps consumers informed of the status of their complaints, increasing transparency and accountability.

The portal allows users to block access to personal data on lost/stolen smartphones which reduces the chances or potential risk of data leakage.

The portal SIM card verification feature acts as an extra layer of security, enabling users to monitor any unauthorised use of their personal information. This proactive approach empowers users to take immediate action if they detect any suspicious activity, preventing further damage to their personal data.

Conclusion

Our smartphones store large amounts of sensitive information and Data, so it becomes crucial to protect our smartphones from any unauthorised access, especially in case when the smartphone is lost or stolen. The Sanchar Saathi portal is a commendable step by the government by offering a comprehensive solution to combat mobile phone theft and protect personal data, the portal contributes to a safer digital environment for smartphone users.

The portal provides the option of blocking access to your lost/stolen device and also checking the SIM card verification. These features of the portal empower users to take control of their data security. In this way, the portal contributes to preventing mobile phone theft and data leakage.

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