#FactCheck - Manipulated Image Alleging Disrespect Towards PM Circulates Online
Executive Summary:
A manipulated image showing someone making an offensive gesture towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi is circulating on social media. However, the original photo does not display any such behavior towards the Prime Minister. The CyberPeace Research Team conducted an analysis and found that the genuine image was published in a Hindustan Times article in May 2019, where no rude gesture was visible. A comparison of the viral and authentic images clearly shows the manipulation. Moreover, The Hitavada also published the same image in 2019. Further investigation revealed that ABPLive also had the image.
Claims:
A picture showing an individual making a derogatory gesture towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being widely shared across social media platforms.
Fact Check:
Upon receiving the news, we immediately ran a reverse search of the image and found an article by Hindustan Times, where a similar photo was posted but there was no sign of such obscene gestures shown towards PM Modi.
ABP Live and The Hitavada also have the same image published on their website in May 2019.
Comparing both the viral photo and the photo found on official news websites, we found that almost everything resembles each other except the derogatory sign claimed in the viral image.
With this, we have found that someone took the original image, published in May 2019, and edited it with a disrespectful hand gesture, and which has recently gone viral across social media and has no connection with reality.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a manipulated picture circulating online showing someone making a rude gesture towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been debunked by the Cyberpeace Research team. The viral image is just an edited version of the original image published in 2019. This demonstrates the need for all social media users to check/ verify the information and facts before sharing, to prevent the spread of fake content. Hence the viral image is fake and Misleading.
- Claim: A picture shows someone making a rude gesture towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Claimed on: X, Instagram
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
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Introduction
India is confronting a wake-up call as a recent cyber incident aimed at the aviation sector underscores the fragile nature of digital systems that guide national air travel. The disclosure in Parliament has pushed the conversation on flight safety, signal integrity, and cyber readiness back into urgent focus. In a written response to a Parliamentary question, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu acknowledged that GPS spoofing, a malicious method employed to alter navigation signals, had been noticed at seven major airports of the country. New Delhi flights had not been affected during the incident, but still, it was an event that again made air travel's safety, GNSS interference, and the overall cyber threat to India's airspace an issue of concern.
The Incident: What Happened?
Initial notices came from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, where the pilots of the different inbound flights talked about GPS spoofing as the reason for their landing. Spoofing is the process of sending counterfeit GPS signals which mislead the aircraft's navigation systems and may cause a wrong measure of the altitude, the position or the runway alignment. In Delhi, pilots operating under GPS-based landing procedures over Runway 10 experienced errors in their approaches and promptly switched to the alternative procedures without any delay.
The Minister said that apart from Delhi, other airports, viz. Kolkata, Amritsar, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai were the 6 airports that recorded similar GNSS interference patterns consisting of both jamming and spoofing. Though no major interruptions or incidents occurred, these occurrences are a sign of a steady and enlarging threat.
Why Is GPS Spoofing So Dangerous?
Satellite navigation and communication systems are the backbone of modern aviation, which is now a matter of great precision. Signal jamming by malicious actors comes with a bunch of risks:
- Diversions and Delays: Pilots may be forced to either give up attempts to land or divert flights, which translates into higher consumption of fuel and more complicated operations due to the case of jamming.
- Threat of Safety Issue: Pilots are trained to deal with such incidents by following the prescribed fallback procedures, but still they depend very much on the GNSS signals that are accurate for safe manoeuvring, especially in low visibility situations.
- Pressure on Old Systems: Indian airports are still in the process of completely converting from ground-based navigation aids to GNSS. Signal disruptions entail the use of older technologies, which results in putting additional pressure on the already overburdened air traffic control systems.
- Opening Up Possibilities for Direct Attacks: Signal jamming can be made a tool for more clever tactics of operation that can include causing confusion during the busy traffic period or performing coordinated attacks to create chaos.
Aviation and Cyber Threats
The disturbances that have been mentioned at the seven airports are not unique. The civil aviation regulators all over the world have already reported an increase in GNSS jamming. The exemplary cases in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and East Asia have revealed that the safety of airspace has turned into a tactical issue.
Moreover, India's quick adoption of digital technology in the aviation sector could open threat vulnerabilities from state-sponsored groups, hackers. In this instance, the government has not yet announced who was responsible for the spoofing, but the trend points to an adversary with advanced technology.
Government and Regulatory Response
The confirmation from the Civil Aviation Minister underscores a proactive stance by agencies such as:
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Airports Authority of India (AAI)
The involved entities are collaborating now to do an inquiry into the cases and set up preventive measures.
The main steps that are taken in response are:
- More thorough observation of GNSS signal anomalies
- More pilot briefings and training on dealing with spoofing situations
- Improving navigation aids to set up a backup
- Working with IT security experts to find out the sources of interference
- Communicating with other global aviation authorities to share the best practices
India, being a significant player in the world aviation market, is not allowed to relax its guard. Cyberattacks on airports show how digital as well as physical security are becoming more and more intertwined.
The Bigger Picture: Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Aviation is a sector that very clearly shows that threats from cyberspace can easily translate into security issues for a nation. The airport system not only becomes more vulnerable to attacks but also the whole aviation industry as the digital ecosystems gain more complex forms together with integrated telecommunications networks, the Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled systems, and cloud-based services.
One of the many threats in the form of GNSS spoofing demonstrates so-called:
- Ransomware attacks on airport systems
- Contamination of air traffic control infrastructure
- Data breaches conducted by insiders
- Passenger data attacks
- Hinderance of airport logistics and baggage systems
What Needs to Happen Next?
India is compelled to embrace a multi-faceted approach in order to manage the intricacies of GNSS interference risk:
- Cybersecurity Measures in Aviation Enforced: New monitoring tools, anomaly detection systems, and instant response plans will be put into service.
- Redundant Technology: The non-GNSS-based navigation system will be expanded to guarantee the continuity of operations in the event of jamming.
- Cyber Drills Across all Sectors: To get pilots, air traffic control personnel, and airport operators ready, the aviation cyber drills will be conducted at the national level.
- Global Cooperation: International organisations will be approached to share the information and standardise the procedures.
- R&D and Innovations: Funding will be directed towards anti-spoofing technology, stronger satellite signals, and the domestic navigation system, like NavIC.
Conclusion
The cyberattack that targeted the seven airports serves as a clear reminder that aviation cybersecurity should not be considered a secondary issue anymore. Even though the quick reaction from the authorities managed to averted any disruptions, the event still shows the vulnerabilities of modern aviation systems. India's air travel infrastructure expansion will be a good time for the country to install its strong cybersecurity frameworks to protect its passengers, maintain the continuity of operations, and secure the airspace of its territory. At CyberPeace, we believe that a coordinated, proactive, and technology-driven approach is no longer an option, it is the new fundamental of aviation security in the digital age.
Reference
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Smart Wearable devices are designed to track several activities in defined parameters and are increasingly becoming a part of everyday life. According to Markets and Markets Report, the global wearable tech market is projected to reach a staggering USD 256.4 billion by 2026. One of the main areas of use of wearable devices is health, including biomedical research, health care, personal health practices and tracking, technology development, and engineering. These wearable devices often include digital health technologies such as consumer smartwatches that monitor an individual's heart rate and step count, and other body-worn sensors like those that continuously monitor blood glucose concentration.
Wearable devices used by the general population are getting increasingly popular. Health devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches enable continuous monitoring of personal health. Privacy is an emerging concern due to the real-time collection of sensitive data. Vulnerabilities due to unauthorised access or discrimination in case of information being revealed without consent are the primary concerns with these devices. While these concerns are present a lot of related misinformation is emerging due to the same.
While wearable devices typically come with terms of use that outline how data is collected and used, and there are regulations in place such as EU Law GDPR, such regulations largely govern the regulatory compliances on the handling of personal data, however, the implementation and compliances by the manufacturer is a one another aspect which might present the question on privacy protection. In addition, beyond the challenge of regulatory compliance, the rise of myths and misinformation surrounding wearable tech presents a separate issue.
Common Misconceptions About Privacy with Wearable Tech
- With the rapid development and growth of wearable technology their use has been subject to countless rumours which fuel misinformation narratives in the minds of general public. Addressing these misconceptions and privacy concerns requires targeted strategies.
- A prevalent misconception is that they are constantly spying on users. While wearable devices collect users’ data in real time, their vulnerability to unauthorised access is similar to that of a non-wearable device. The issue is of consent when it comes to wearable technology because it gives the ability to record. If permissions are not asked when a person is being recorded then the data is accessible to external entities.
- There is a common myth that wearable tech is surveillance tool. This is entirely a conjecture. These devices collect the user data with their prior consent and have been created to provide them with real-time information, most commonly physical health information. Since users choose the information shared, the idea of wearable tech serving as a surveillance tool is unfounded.
- Another misconception about wearable tech is that it can diagnose medical conditions. These devices collect real-time health data, such as heart rate or activity levels, they are not designed for medical diagnosis. The data collected may not always be accurate or reliable for clinical use to be interpreted by a healthcare professional. This is mainly because the makers of these devices are not held to the safety and liability standards that medical providers are.
- A prevalent misconception is that wearable tech can cure health issues, which is simply untrue. Wearable tech devices are essentially tracking the health parameters that a user sets. It in no way is a cure for any health issue that one suffers from. A user can manage their health based on the parameters they set on the device such as the number of steps that they walk, check on the heart rate and other metrics for their mental satisfaction but they are not a cure to treat diseases. Wearable tech acts as alerts, notifying users of important health metrics and encouraging proactive health management.
Addressing Privacy and Health Concerns in Wearable Tech
Wearable technology raises concerns for privacy and health due to the colossal amount of personal data collected. To address these, strong data protection measures are essential, ensuring that sensitive health information is securely stored and shared only with consent. Providing users with control over their data is one of the ways to build user trust. It includes enabling them to opt in, access, or delete the data in question. Regulators should establish clear guidelines, ensuring wearables ensure the compliances with data protection regulations like HIPPA, GDPR or DPDP Act, whichever is applicable as per the jurisdiction. Furthermore, global standards for data encryption, device security, and user privacy should be implemented to mitigate risks. Transparency in data usage and consistent updates to software security are also crucial for protecting users' privacy and health while promoting the responsible use of wearable tech.
CyberPeace Insights
- Making informed decisions about wearable tech starts with thorough research. Start by reading reviews and comparing products to assess their features, compatibility, and security standards.
- Investigate the manufacturer’s reputation for data protection and device longevity. Understanding device capabilities is crucial. One should evaluate whether the wearable meets their needs, such as fitness tracking, health monitoring, or communication features. Consider software security and updates, and data accuracy when comparing options. Opt for devices that offer two-factor authentication for an additional layer of security.
- Check the permissions requested by the accompanying app; only grant access to data that is necessary for the device's functionality. Always read the terms of use to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding the use of the device. Review and customize data-sharing settings for better control to prevent unauthorised access.
- Staying updated on the tech is equally important. A user should follow the advancements in wearable technology be it regular security updates, or regulatory changes that may affect privacy and usability. This ensures getting tech that aligns with user lifestyle while meeting privacy and security expectations.
Conclusion
Privacy and Misinformation are key concerns that emerge due to the use of wearable tech designed to offer benefits such as health monitoring, fitness tracking, and personal convenience. It requires a combination of informed decision-making by users and stringent regulatory oversight to overcome the issues that emerge due to misinformation about these devices. Users must ensure they understand the capabilities and limitations of their devices, from data accuracy to privacy risks. Additionally, manufacturers and regulators need to prioritise transparency, data protection, and compliance with global standards like GDPR or DPDP to build trust. As wearable tech continues to evolve, a balanced approach to innovation and privacy will be essential in fostering its responsible and beneficial use for all.
References
- https://thehealthcaretechnologyreport.com/privacy-data-security-concerns-rise-as-healthcare-wearables-gain-popularity/
- https://journals.plos.org/digitalhealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pdig.0000104
- https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/wearable-electronics-market-983.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwgMqSBhDCARIsAIIVN1V0sqrk6SpYSga3rcDtWcwh8npZ08L0_s4X91gh7yPAa6QmsctB-lMaAlpqEALw_wcB
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/legal-information-management/article/health-data-on-the-go-navigating-privacy-concerns-with-wearable-technologies/05DAF11EFA807051362BB39260C4814C
Executive Summary
Border 2 is set to hit theatres today, January 23. Meanwhile, a photograph is going viral on social media showing actors Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna and Jackie Shroff sitting together and having a meal, while a woman is seen serving food to them. Social media users are sharing this image claiming that it was taken during the shooting of Border 2. It is being alleged that the photograph shows a moment from the film’s set, where the actors were having food during a break in shooting. However, Cyber Peace research has found the viral claim to be false. Our investigation revealed that users are sharing an AI-generated image with a misleading claim.
Claim
On Instagram, a user shared the viral image on January 9, 2026, with the caption: “During the shooting of Border 2.” The link to the post, its archive link and screenshots can be seen below.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we first checked Google for the official star cast of the film Border 2. Our search showed that the names of the actors seen in the viral image are not part of the film’s officially announced cast. Next, upon closely examining the image, we noticed that the facial structure and expressions of the actors appeared unnatural and distorted. The facial features did not look realistic, raising suspicion that the image might have been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). We then scanned the viral image using the AI-generated content detection tool HIVE Moderation. The results indicated that the image is 95 per cent AI-generated.
In the final step of our investigation, we analysed the image using another AI-detection tool, Undetectable AI. According to the results, the viral image was confirmed to be AI-generated.
Conclusion:
Our research confirms that social media users are sharing an AI-generated image while falsely claiming that it is from the shooting of Border 2. The viral claim is misleading and false.
Our research revealed that users are sharing an AI-generated image along with misleading claims
