#FactCheck - Philadelphia Plane Crash Video Falsely Shared as INS Vikrant Attack on Karachi Port
Executive Summary:
A video currently circulating on social media falsely claims to show the aftermath of an Indian Navy attack on Karachi Port, allegedly involving the INS Vikrant. Upon verification, it has been confirmed that the video is unrelated to any naval activity and in fact depicts a plane crash that occurred in Philadelphia, USA. This misrepresentation underscores the importance of verifying information through credible sources before drawing conclusions or sharing content.
Claim:
Social media accounts shared a video claiming that the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, attacked Karachi Port amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. Captions such as “INDIAN NAVY HAS DESTROYED KARACHI PORT” accompanied the footage, which shows a crash site with debris and small fires.
Fact Check:
After reverse image search we found that the viral video to earlier uploads on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) dated February 2, 2025. The footage is from a plane crash in Philadelphia, USA, involving a Mexican-registered Learjet 55 (tail number XA-UCI) that crashed near Roosevelt Mall.
Major American news outlets, including ABC7, reported the incident on February 1, 2025. According to NBC10 Philadelphia, the crash resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including one child.
Conclusion:
The viral video claiming to show an Indian Navy strike on Karachi Port involving INS Vikrant is entirely misleading. The footage is from a civilian plane crash that occurred in Philadelphia, USA, and has no connection to any military activity or recent developments involving the Indian Navy. Verified news reports confirm the incident involved a Mexican-registered Learjet and resulted in civilian casualties. This case highlights the ongoing issue of misinformation on social media and emphasizes the need to rely on credible sources and verified facts before accepting or sharing sensitive content, especially on matters of national security or international relations.
- Claim: INS Vikrant, attacked Karachi Port amid rising India-Pakistan tensions
- Claimed On: Social Media
- Fact Check: False and Misleading
Related Blogs
Executive Summary:
Viral pictures featuring US Secret Service agents smiling while protecting former President Donald Trump during a planned attempt to kill him in Pittsburgh have been clarified as photoshopped pictures. The pictures making the rounds on social media were produced by AI-manipulated tools. The original image shows no smiling agents found on several websites. The event happened with Thomas Mathew Crooks firing bullets at Trump at an event in Butler, PA on July 13, 2024. During the incident one was deceased and two were critically injured. The Secret Service stopped the shooter, and circulating photos in which smiles were faked have stirred up suspicion. The verification of the face-manipulated image was debunked by the CyberPeace Research Team.
Claims:
Viral photos allegedly show United States Secret Service agents smiling while rushing to protect former President Donald Trump during an attempted assassination in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Fact Check:
Upon receiving the posts, we searched for any credible source that supports the claim made, we found several articles and images of the incident but in those the images were different.
This image was published by CNN news media, in this image we can see the US Secret Service protecting Donald Trump but not smiling. We then checked for AI Manipulation in the image using the AI Image Detection tool, True Media.
We then checked with another AI Image detection tool named, contentatscale AI image detection, which also found it to be AI Manipulated.
Comparison of both photos:
Hence, upon lack of credible sources and detection of AI Manipulation concluded that the image is fake and misleading.
Conclusion:
The viral photos claiming to show Secret Service agents smiling when protecting former President Donald Trump during an assassination attempt have been proven to be digitally manipulated. The original image found on CNN Media shows no agents smiling. The spread of these altered photos resulted in misinformation. The CyberPeace Research Team's investigation and comparison of the original and manipulated images confirm that the viral claims are false.
- Claim: Viral photos allegedly show United States Secret Service agents smiling while rushing to protect former President Donald Trump during an attempted assassination in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- Claimed on: X, Thread
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
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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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- https://www.dai.com/uploads/digital-downsides.pdf
- https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/2013/3/A2006-27.pdf
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1946375
- https://dai-global-digital.com/digital-downsides-the-economic-impact-of-misinformation-and-other-digital-harms-on-msmes-in-kenya-india-and-cambodia.html
- https://www.dai.com/uploads/digital-downsides.pdf
On the occasion of 20th edition of Safer Internet Day 2023, CyberPeace in collaboration with UNICEF, DELNET, NCERT, and The National Book Trust (NBT), India, took steps towards safer cyberspace by launching iSafe Multimedia Resources, CyberPeace TV, and CyberPeace Café in an event held today in Delhi.
CyberPeace also showcased its efforts, in partnership with UNICEF, to create a secure and peaceful online world through its Project iSafe, which aims to bridge the knowledge gap between emerging advancements in cybersecurity and first responders. Through Project iSafe, CyberPeace has successfully raised awareness among law enforcement agencies, education departments, and frontline workers across various fields. The event marked a significant milestone in the efforts of the foundation to create a secure and peaceful online environment for everyone.
Launching the Cyberpeace TV, café and isafe material , National Cybersecurity coordinator of Govt of India, Lt Gen Rajesh Pant interacts with the students by introducing them with the theme of this safer internet day. He launched the coword cyber challenge initiative by the countries. Content is most important in cyberspace. He also assured everyone that the government of India is taking a lot of steps at national level to make cyber space safer. He compliments CPF for their initiatives.
Ms. Zafrin Chaudhry, Chief of Communication, UNICEF addresses students with the facts that children make out 1 out of 3 in cyberspace, so they should have a safe cyberspace. They should be informed and equipped with all the information on how to deal with any kind of issues they face in cyberspace. They should share their experience with everyone to make others aware. UNICEF in partnership with CPF is extending help to children to equip them with the help and information.
Major Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President of CPF welcomed all and introduced us about the launching of iSafe Multimedia Resources, CyberPeace TV, and CyberPeace Café . With this launch he threw some light on upcoming plans like launching a learning module of metaverse with AR and VR. He wants to make cyberspace safe even in tier 3 cities that’s why he established the first cybercafé in Ranchi.
As the internet plays a crucial role in our lives, CyberPeace has taken action to combat potential cyber threats. They introduced CyberPeace TV, the world’s first multilingual TV Channel on Jio TV focusing on Education and Entertainment, a comprehensive online platform that provides the latest in cybersecurity news, expert analysis, and a community for all stakeholders in the field. CyberPeace also launched its first CyberPeace Café for creators and innovators and released the iSafe Multimedia resource containing Flyers, Posters, E hand book and handbook on digital safety for children developed jointly by CyberPeace, UNICEF and NCERT for the public.
O.P. Singh, Former DGP, UP Police & CEO Kailash Satyarthi foundation, , started with the data of internet users in India. The Internet is used in day-to -day activities nowadays and primarily in social media. Students should have a channelized approach to cyberspace like fixed screen time, information to the right content, and usage of the internet. I really appreciate the initiates that CyberPeace is taking in this direction.
The celebration continued by iSafe Panel Discussion on “Creating Safer Cyberspace for Children.” The discussion was moderated by Dr. Sangeeta Kaul, Director of DELNET, and was attended by panellists Mr. Rakesh Maheshwari from MeitY(Ministry of electronics and information Technology, Govt. of India), Dr. Indu Kumar from CIET-NCERT, Ms. Bindu Sharma from ICMEC, and Major Vineet Kumar from CyberPeace.
The event was also graced by professional artists from the National School of Drama, who performed Nukkad Natak and Qawwali based on cyber security themes. Students from SRDAV school also entertained the audience with their performances. The attendees were also given a platform to share their experiences with online security issues, and ICT Awardees, Parents and iSafe Champions shared their insights with the guests. The event also had stalls by CyberPeace Corps, a Global volunteer initiative, and CIET-NCERT for students to explore and join the cause. The event’s highlight was the 360 Selfie Booth, where attendees lined up to have their turn.
