#FactCheck-A manipulated image showing Indian cricketer Virat Kohli allegedly watching Rahul Gandhi's media briefing on his mobile phone has been widely shared online.
Executive Summary:
A fake photo claiming to show the cricketer Virat Kohli watching a press conference by Rahul Gandhi before a match, has been widely shared on social media. The original photo shows Kohli on his phone with no trace of Gandhi. The incident is claimed to have happened on March 21, 2024, before Kohli's team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), played Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Many Social Media accounts spread the false image and made it viral.
Claims:
The viral photo falsely claims Indian cricketer Virat Kohli was watching a press conference by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his phone before an IPL match. Many Social media handlers shared it to suggest Kohli's interest in politics. The photo was shared on various platforms including some online news websites.
Fact Check:
After we came across the viral image posted by social media users, we ran a reverse image search of the viral image. Then we landed on the original image posted by an Instagram account named virat__.forever_ on 21 March.
The caption of the Instagram post reads, “VIRAT KOHLI CHILLING BEFORE THE SHOOT FOR JIO ADVERTISEMENT COMMENCE.❤️”
Evidently, there is no image of Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on the Phone of Virat Kohli. Moreover, the viral image was published after the original image, which was posted on March 21.
Therefore, it’s apparent that the viral image has been altered, borrowing the original image which was shared on March 21.
Conclusion:
To sum up, the Viral Image is altered from the original image, the original image caption tells Cricketer Virat Kohli chilling Before the Jio Advertisement commences but not watching any politician Interview. This shows that in the age of social media, where false information can spread quickly, critical thinking and fact-checking are more important than ever. It is crucial to check if something is real before sharing it, to avoid spreading false stories.
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Introduction
The Supreme Court of India recently ruled that telecom companies cannot be debarred from reissuing the deactivated numbers to a new subscriber. Notably, such reallocation of deactivated numbers is allowed only after the expiration of the period of 90 days. The Apex Court of India also mentioned that it is the responsibility of the user to delete their associated data with their number or any WhatsApp account data to ensure privacy. The Centre has recently also blocked 22 apps which were part of unlawful operations including betting and money laundering. Meanwhile, in the digital landscape, the Intervention of legislature and judiciary is playing a key role in framing policies or coming up with guidelines advocating for a true cyber-safe India. The government initiatives are encouraging the responsible use of technologies and Internet-availed services.
Supreme Court stated that telecom companies cannot be barred from reissuing deactivated numbers
Taking note of a petition before the Supreme Court of India, seeking direction from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to instruct mobile service providers to stop issuing deactivated mobile numbers, the Apex Court dismissed it by stating that mobile service providers in India are allowed to allocate the deactivated numbers to new users or subscribers but only after 90 days from the deactivation of the number.
A concern of Breach of Confidential Data
The Court further stated, “It is for the earlier subscriber to take adequate steps to ensure that privacy is maintained.” stating that it is the responsibility of the user to delete their WhatsApp account attached to the previous phone number and erase their data. The Court further added that users need to be aware of the Supreme Court ruling that once the number is deactivated for non-use and disconnection, it can not be reallocated before the expiry of the 90-day period of such deactivation. However, after the allotted time passes, such reallocation of numbers to a new user is allowed.
MEITY issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps & websites
The government of India has been very critical in safeguarding Indian cyberspace by banning and blocking various websites and apps that have been operating illegally by scamming/dupping people of huge sums of money and also committing cyber crimes like data breaches. In recent developments, the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (Meity), on November 5, 2023, banned 22 apps including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro. The Centre has taken this decision on recommendations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). ED raids on the Mahadev book app in Chattisgarh also revealed unlawful operations. This investigation has been underway for the past few months by the ED.
Applicable laws to prevent money laundering and the power of government to block such websites and apps
On the other hand, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 is a legislation already in place which aims to prevent and prosecute cases of money laundering. The government also has the power to block or recommend shutting down websites and apps under section 69A of the Information and Technology Act, 2000, under some specific condition as enumerated in the same.
Conclusion
In the evolving digital landscape, cyberspace covers several aspects while certain regulations or guidelines are required for smooth and secure functioning. We sometimes change our phone numbers or deactivate them, hence, it is significantly important to delete the data associated with the phone number or any such social media account data attached to it. Hence, such a number is eligible for reallocation to a new or early subscriber after the expiration of a period of 90 days from such deactivation. On the other hand, the centre has also blocked the websites or apps that were found to be part of illegal operations including betting and money laundering. Users have also been advised not to misuse the Internet-availed services. Hence, trying to create a lawful and safe Internet environment for all.
References:
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cant-bar-telecom-companies-from-reissuing-deactivated-numbers-says-supreme-court/articleshow/104993401.cms
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1974901#:~:text=Ministry%20of%20Electronics%20and%20Information,including%20Mahadev%20Book%20and%20Reddyannaprestopro
Introduction
Microsoft has unveiled its ambitious roadmap for developing a quantum supercomputer with AI features, acknowledging the transformative power of quantum computing in solving complex societal challenges. Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise AI by enhancing its capabilities and enabling breakthroughs in different fields. Microsoft’s groundbreaking announcement of its plans to develop a quantum supercomputer, its potential applications, and the implications for the future of artificial intelligence (AI). However, there is a need for regulation in the realms of quantum computing and AI and significant policies and considerations associated with these transformative technologies. This technological advancement will help in the successful development and deployment of quantum computing, along with the potential benefits and challenges associated with its implementation.
What isQuantum computing?
Quantum computing is an emerging field of computer science and technology that utilises principles from quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations and solve certain types of problems more efficiently than classical computers. While classical computers store and process information using bits, quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits.
Interconnected Future
Quantum computing promises to significantly expand AI’s capabilities beyond its current limitations. Integrating these two technologies could lead to profound advancements in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity. Quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are two rapidly evolving fields that have the potential to revolutionise technology and reshape various industries. This section explores the interdependence of quantum computing and AI, highlighting how integrating these two technologies could lead to profound advancements across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity.
- Enhancing AI Capabilities:
Quantum computing holds the promise of significantly expanding the capabilities of AI systems. Traditional computers, based on classical physics and binary logic, need help solving complex problems due to the exponential growth of computational requirements. Quantum computing, on the other hand, leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations on quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This inherent parallelism and superposition property of qubits could potentially accelerate AI algorithms and enable more efficient processing of vast amounts of data.
- Solving Complex Problems:
The integration of quantum computing and AI has the potential to tackle complex problems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computing methods. Quantum machine learning algorithms, for example, could leverage quantum superposition and entanglement to analyse and classify large datasets more effectively. This could have significant applications in healthcare, where AI-powered quantum systems could aid in drug discovery, disease diagnosis, and personalised medicine by processing vast amounts of genomic and clinical data.
- Advancements in Finance and Optimisation:
The financial sector can benefit significantly from integrating quantum computing and AI. Quantum algorithms can be employed to optimise portfolios, improve risk analysis models, and enhance trading strategies. By harnessing the power of quantum machine learning, financial institutions can make more accurate predictions and informed decisions, leading to increased efficiency and reduced risks.
- Strengthening Cybersecurity:
Quantum computing can also play a pivotal role in bolstering cybersecurity defences. Quantum techniques can be employed to develop new cryptographic protocols that are resistant to quantum attacks. In conjunction with quantum computing, AI can further enhance cybersecurity by analysing massive amounts of network traffic and identifying potential vulnerabilities or anomalies in real time, enabling proactive threat mitigation.
- Quantum-Inspired AI:
Beyond the direct integration of quantum computing and AI, quantum-inspired algorithms are also being explored. These algorithms, designed to run on classical computers, draw inspiration from quantum principles and can improve performance in specific AI tasks. Quantum-inspired optimisation algorithms, for instance, can help solve complex optimisation problems more efficiently, enabling better resource allocation, supply chain management, and scheduling in various industries.
How Quantum Computing and AI Should be Regulated-
As quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, questions arise regarding the need for regulations to govern these technologies. There is debate surrounding the regulation of quantum computing and AI, considering the potential risks, ethical implications, and the balance between innovation and societal protection.
- Assessing Potential Risks: Quantum computing and AI bring unprecedented capabilities that can significantly impact various aspects of society. However, they also pose potential risks, such as unintended consequences, privacy breaches, and algorithmic biases. Regulation can help identify and mitigate these risks, ensuring these technologies’ responsible development and deployment.
- Ethical Implications: AI and quantum computing raise ethical concerns related to privacy, bias, accountability, and the impact on human autonomy. For AI, issues such as algorithmic fairness, transparency, and decision-making accountability must be addressed. Quantum computing, with its potential to break current encryption methods, requires regulatory measures to protect sensitive information. Ethical guidelines and regulations can provide a framework to address these concerns and promote responsible innovation.
- Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Regulating quantum computing and AI involves balancing fostering innovation and protecting society’s interests. Excessive regulation could stifle technological advancements, hinder research, and impede economic growth. On the other hand, a lack of regulation may lead to the proliferation of unsafe or unethical applications. A thoughtful and adaptive regulatory approach is necessary, considering the dynamic nature of these technologies and allowing for iterative improvements based on evolving understanding and risks.
- International Collaboration: Given the global nature of quantum computing and AI, international collaboration in regulation is essential. Harmonising regulatory frameworks can avoid fragmented approaches, ensure consistency, and facilitate ethical and responsible practices across borders. Collaborative efforts can also address data privacy, security, and cross-border data flow challenges, enabling a more unified and cooperative approach towards regulation.
- Regulatory Strategies: Regulatory strategies for quantum computing and AI should adopt a multidisciplinary approach involving stakeholders from academia, industry, policymakers, and the public. Key considerations include:
- Risk-based Approach: Regulations should focus on high-risk applications while allowing low-risk experimentation and development space.
- Transparency and Explainability: AI systems should be transparent and explainable to enable accountability and address concerns about bias, discrimination, and decision-making processes.
- Privacy Protection: Regulations should safeguard individual privacy rights, especially in quantum computing, where current encryption methods may be vulnerable.
- Testing and Certification: Establishing standards for the testing and certification of AI systems can ensure their reliability, safety, and adherence to ethical principles.
- Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation: Regulatory frameworks should be dynamic, regularly reviewed, and adapted to keep pace with the evolving landscape of quantum computing and AI.
Conclusion:
Integrating quantum computing and AI holds immense potential for advancing technology across diverse domains. Quantum computing can enhance the capabilities of AI systems, enabling the solution of complex problems, accelerating data processing, and revolutionising industries such as healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity. As research and development in these fields progress, collaborative efforts among researchers, industry experts, and policymakers will be crucial in harnessing the synergies between quantum computing and AI to drive innovation and shape a transformative future.The regulation of quantum computing and AI is a complex and ongoing discussion. Striking the right balance between fostering innovation, protecting societal interests, and addressing ethical concerns is crucial. A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to regulation, considering international cooperation, risk assessment, transparency, privacy protection, and continuous monitoring, is necessary to ensure these transformative technologies' responsible development and deployment.
A video is being widely shared on social media showing a monkey, with users claiming that the animal is immersed in devotion to Lord Hanuman. The clip is being circulated with assertions that the monkey was seen participating in Hanuman Aarti. Cyber Peace Foundation’s research found that the viral claim is fake. Our investigation revealed that the video is not real and has been generated using artificial intelligence tools.
Claim
On January 6, 2026, Facebook users shared the viral video claiming, “A monkey was seen immersed in devotion during Hanuman Aarti.”
- Post link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1261813845766976
- Archived link: https://archive.ph/anid5
Screenshots of the post can be seen below.
FactCheck:
When we closely examined the viral video, we noticed several visual inconsistencies. These anomalies raised suspicion that the video might be AI-generated. To verify this, we scanned the video using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. According to the results, the video was found to be 97 percent AI-generated.
Further, we analysed the video using another AI detection tool, Sightengine. The tool’s assessment indicated that the viral video is 98 percent AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our investigation confirms that the viral video claiming to show a monkey immersed in devotion to Lord Hanuman is AI-generated and not real. The claim circulating on social media is false and misleading.
