#FactCheck - Old Japanese Earthquake Footage Falsely Linked to Tibet

Introduction  

The ‘Barbie’ fever is going high in India, and it’s hype to launch online scams in India. The cybercriminals attacking the ‘Barbie’ fans in India, as the popular malware and antivirus protection MacAfee has recently reported that India is in the top 3rd number among countries facing major malware attacks. After the release of ‘barbie’ in theatres, the Scams started spreading across India through the free download of the ‘Barbie’ movie from the link and other viruses. The scammers trick the victims by selling free ‘Barbie’ tickets and, after the movie’s hit, search for the free download links on websites which leads to the Scams.

What is the ‘Barbie’ malware?

After the release of the ‘Barbie’ movie, trying to keep up with the trend, Barbie fans started to search the links for free movie downloads from anonymous sources. And after downloading the movie, there was malware in the downloaded zip files. The online scam includes not genuine dubbed downloads of the movie that install malware, barbie-related viruses, and fake videos that point to free tickets, and also clicking on unverified links for the movie access resulted in Scam. It is important not to get stuck in these trends just because to keep up with them, as it could land you in trouble.

‍Case: As per the report of McAfee, several cases of malware trick victims into downloading the ‘ Barbie’ movie in different languages. By clicking the link, it prompts the user to download a Zip file, which is packed with malware

Countries-wise malware distribution

Cyber Scams witnessed a significant surge in just a few weeks, with hundreds of incidents of new malware cases. And The USA is on the top No. Among all the countries, In the USA there was 37 % of ‘Barbie’ malware attacks held per the, while Australia, the UK, and India suffered 6 % of malware attacks. And other countries like Japan, Ireland, and France faced 3% of Malware attacks.

What are the precautions?

Cyber scams are evolving everywhere, users must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information. The user shall avoid clicking on suspicious links, also those which are related to unauthorised movie downloads or fake ticket offers. The people shall use legitimate and official platforms to access movie-related content. Keeping anti-malware and antivirus will add an extra layer of protection.

Here are some following precautions against Malware:

• Use security software.
• Use strong passwords and authentication.
• Enforce safe browsing and email.
• Data backup.
• Implement Anti-lateral Movement.

Conclusion  

Cyberspace is evolving, and with that, Scams are also evolving. With the new trend of ‘Barbie’ Scams going on the rise everywhere, India is on top 3rd No. In India, McAfee reported several malicious attacks that attempted to trick the victims into downloading the free version of ‘Barbie’ movie in dubbed languages. This resulted in a Scam. People usually try to keep up with trends that land them in trouble. The users shall beware of these kinds of cyber-attacks. These scams result in huge losses. Technology should be used with proper precautions as per the incidents happening around.

India’s online gaming industry has grown at lightning speed, drawing millions of users across age groups. From casual games and e-sports to fantasy leagues and online poker, digital entertainment has become both a social and economic phenomenon. But with this growth came rising concerns of addiction, financial loss, misleading ads, and even criminal misuse of gaming platforms for illegal betting. To address these concerns, the Government of India introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act and draft Rules in October 2025. While the Act represents a crucial step toward accountability and user protection, it also raises difficult questions about freedom, innovation, and investor confidence.

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The Current Legal Framework

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The 2025 Act, along with corresponding changes in the Information Technology and GST laws, aims to create a safer and more transparent gaming environment.

1. Ban on real-money games:

Any online game where money is involved, whether it’s entry fees, bets, or prizes, is now banned, regardless of whether it is based on skill or chance. As a result, previously permitted formats such as fantasy sports, rummy, and poker once defended as “games of skill” now fall within the category of banned activities.

 2. Promotion of e-sports and social gaming

Not all gaming is banned. Casual games, e-sports, and social games that don’t involve money are fully allowed. The government is encouraging these as part of India’s growing digital economy.

3. Advertising and financial restrictions: Banks, payment gateways, and advertisers cannot facilitate or promote real-money games. Any platform offering deposits or prize pools can be blocked.

4. Central regulatory authority: The law establishes a national body to classify games, monitor compliance, and address complaints. It has the power to order the locking of violative content and websites.

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Why Regulation Was Needed

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The push for regulation came after a surge in online betting scams, debt-related suicides, and disputes about whether certain apps were skill-based or chance-based. State governments had taken conflicting positions, some banning, others licensing such games. Meanwhile, offshore gaming apps operated freely in India’s grey market.

The 2025 Act thus attempts to impose uniformity, protect minors, and bring moral and fiscal discipline to a rapidly expanding digital frontier. Its underlying philosophy resembles that of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, encouraging responsible use of technology rather than an unregulated free-for-all.

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Key Challenges and Gaps

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(a) Clarity of Definitions

The Act bans all real-money games, ignoring the difference between skill-based games and chance-based games. This could lead to legal challenges under Article 19(1)(g), which protects the right to do business. Games like rummy or fantasy cricket, which need real skill, arguably shouldn’t be banned outright

(b) Weak Consumer and Child Protection

Although age verification and KYC are mandated, compliance at the user-end remains uncertain. India needs a Responsible Gaming Code covering:

• Spending limits and cooling-off periods;
• Self-exclusion options;
• Transparent disclosure of odds; and
• Algorithmic fairness audits.
  These measures can help mitigate addiction and prevent exploitation of minors.

(c) Federal Conflicts

“Betting and gambling” fall within the State List under India’s Constitution, yet the 2025 Act seeks national uniformity. States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka already have independent bans. Without harmonisation, legal disputes between state and central authorities could multiply. A cooperative federal framework allowing states to adopt central norms voluntarily could offer flexibility without fragmentation.

(d) Regulatory Transparency

The gaming regulator has a lot of power, like deciding which games are allowed and blocking websites. But it’s not clear who chooses its members or how people can challenge its decisions. Including court oversight, public input, and regular reporting would make the regulator fairer and more reliable.

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What’s Next for India’s Online Gaming

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India’s online gaming scene is at a turning point. Banning all money-based games might reduce risks, but it also slows innovation and limits opportunities. A better approach could be to license skill-based or low-risk games with proper KYC and audits, set up a Responsible Gaming Charter with input from government, industry, and civil society, and create rules for offshore platforms targeting Indian players. Player data should be protected under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the law should be reviewed every few years to keep up with new tech like the metaverse, NFTs, and AI-powered games.

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Conclusion

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CyberPeace has already provided its detailed feedback to MEITy as on 30th October, 2025 hopes the finalised rules are released soon with the acknowledgment of the challenges discussed. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, marks an important turning point since this is India’s first serious attempt to bring order to a chaotic digital arena. The goal is to keep players safe, stop crime, and hold platforms accountable. But the tricky part is moving away from blanket bans. We need rules that let new ideas grow, respect people’s rights, and keep players safe. With a few smart changes and fair enforcement, India could have a gaming industry that’s safe, responsible, and ready to compete globally.

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References 

1. https://ssrana.in/articles/indias-online-gaming-bill-2025-regulation-prohibition-and-the-future-of-digital-play/ 
2. https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.economictimes.com/news/economy/policy/new-online-gaming-law-takes-effect-money-games-banned-from-today/amp_articleshow/124255401.cms 
3. https://www.google.com/amp/s/timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/government-proposes-to-make-violation-of-online-money-game-rules-non-bailable-draft-rules-ban-/amp_articleshow/124277740.cms 
4. https://www.egf.org.in/ 
5. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=155075&ModuleId=3 

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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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