#FactCheck-AI-Generated Image Falsely Shows Iranian Soldiers Near Downed Helicopter
Executive Summary
Our research confirms that the viral image showing Iranian soldiers standing near a crashed helicopter is AI-generated and has no connection to any real-world event. It is being misleadingly shared online amid geopolitical tensions. Amid rising tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, a dramatic image is being widely shared on social media. The picture shows soldiers standing near the wreckage of a crashed helicopter in a desert, holding an Iranian flag. Users claim that Iranian forces shot down the aircraft. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral image is fake and was created using AI tools.
Claim
A Facebook page named “Official Salman 09” shared the image on May 1, 2026, portraying it as a powerful symbol of victory in an ongoing conflict. The post suggested that the image reflected Iran’s military success and carried a broader political message amid regional tensions.
- https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=909905332099201&set=a.522993370790401
- https://perma.cc/KCL8-7UDN
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. The image did not appear on any credible news platforms, although it was widely circulating across social media—raising suspicion about its authenticity. We then analyzed the image using Google’s SynthID detector, which confirmed with high confidence that the image was generated using Google’s AI tools. SynthID is a technology designed to watermark and identify AI-generated content.
Further verification using AI detection tool Hive Moderation indicated a very high likelihood (up to 99.9%) that the image was AI-generated, with strong probability that it was created using Google’s Gemini.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral image showing Iranian soldiers standing near a crashed helicopter is AI-generated and has no connection to any real-world event. It is being misleadingly shared online amid geopolitical tensions.
Related Blogs
Data localisation refers to restrictions in the data flow by limiting the physical storage and processing of data within a given jurisdiction’s boundaries.
An obvious benefit contributing to the importance of data localisation is the privacy benefits it offers. In addition to this, data localisation also has the potential to safeguard sensitive data and decrease the probability of cyber-attacks. In India, data localisation has become a key issue in the last decade due to the increase in the discourse for data privacy.
The Legal Framework in India
India passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023 which directs the data fiduciaries (collectors and processors of digital personal data) to store the data of Indian citizens within India. This push for data localisation aligns with India’s position to enhance privacy, national security and regulatory control. It further requires data fiduciaries to adhere to the principles of data minimisation, purposeful limitation and consent of the data principles. Further, Section 17 of the Act prohibits the transfer of sensitive personal data to foreign jurisdictions unless they meet satisfactory privacy protection standards.
The Reserve Bank of India, via a circular for Payments Data Regulation in 2018, has mandated that all payment data be stored in India, though it can be processed abroad. It requires the telecom sector to ensure local storage and local processing of subscriber information. It further prohibits the transferring of subscribers’ account information overseas.
MeitY’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, emphasise data localisation, specifically when it involves government or critical data. The main idea behind this is that data related to Indian citizens or government activities should remain accessible to Indian law enforcement agencies and is not subject to external jurisdiction.
Common Misinformation about Data Localisation and its Impact
Misconceptions fuel misinformation and influence public perception and policy debates. A common misconception is that all data must be stored in India. It should be noted that non-critical and non-sensitive data are not subject to localisation, and can be cleared for cross-border transfers under specific circumstances.
Another misconception is that data localisation alone ensures complete security. A robust cybersecurity approach, infrastructure and capabilities are what guarantee security and this holds true regardless of the location of where the data is stored.
The notion that small businesses and startups will suffer the most is untrue. While data localisation policies may lead to increased costs, they foster innovation in the domestic infrastructure and services. This potentially fuels development and innovation in these small businesses and startups. Claims that data localisation will stifle global business are unfounded.
Proper regulations for data transfers can help balance data flows, enabling international trade while ensuring data sovereignty.
Real Impact of Data Localisation
Data localisation impacts several domains and has both positive and negative outcomes.
- It can be a driver for investment in local data centres and infrastructure, thereby inducing employment generation and boosting the domestic economy. And in contrast, the compliance costs may rise especially for MNCs that need to maintain multiple data storage systems.
- It can expedite the growth of local technology ecosystems while encouraging innovation in cloud computing and data storage solutions. On the other hand, small businesses might face struggles to afford the required infrastructure updates and upgrades.
- Law enforcement agencies will be able to gain access to data more swiftly while avoiding lengthy processes such as the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs). However, it should be noted that storing data locally does not automatically ensure that they are immune from attacks and breaches.
- A balance between sovereignty and global partnerships is a challenge that emerges with data localisation. International Trade Relationships are vulnerable to data localisations where countries favour a free data flow. This can hamper foreign collaborations with companies that rely on global data systems.
CyberPeace Outlook
It is important to clear misinformation about data localisation, some strategies that can be undertaken are:
- Launching public awareness campaigns to educate the stakeholders about the real requirements and the benefits of data localisation. Misinformation about data restrictions and security guarantees should be tackled fairly quickly.
- A balanced approach that promotes local economic development while at the same time allowing for the necessary cross-border data flows and creating a flexible and friendly business environment is important.
- India should work on international frameworks to streamline the process of data-sharing with other nations. This would protect national interests while making global cooperation easier.
Conclusion
Data localisation in India presents a valuable opportunity to enhance privacy, bolster national security, and stimulate economic growth through local infrastructure investment. Yet, addressing common misconceptions is crucial; the belief that all data must be stored domestically or that localisation alone ensures security is misleading.
It’s vital to pair local data storage with robust cybersecurity measures and foster international cooperation. Supporting small businesses, which may face challenges due to localisation requirements, is equally important. By addressing misinformation, promoting flexible regulations, and working towards global data-sharing frameworks, India can effectively manage the complexities of data localisation, safeguarding national interests while encouraging innovation and economic development.
References
- https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/are-data-localisation-requirements-necessary-and-proportionate/article66131957.ece
- https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2021/04/how-would-data-localization-benefit-india?lang=en
- https://www.rbi.org.in/commonperson/English/Scripts/FAQs.aspx?Id=2995
- https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Information%20Technology%20%28Intermediary%20Guidelines%20and%20Digital%20Media%20Ethics%20Code%29%20Rules%2C%202021%20%28updated%2006.04.2023%29-.pdf
Executive Summary
A video featuring Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is being widely shared on social media, claiming that he has resigned from his post. In the viral video, Pradhan can be seen addressing a press conference and is allegedly heard saying, “I am resigning from the post of Education Minister due to personal reasons. I thank everyone for this opportunity.” CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found that the claim is misleading. The research revealed that an AI-generated audio clip was added to an old video of Dharmendra Pradhan, falsely attributing a resignation statement to him. The video was digitally altered using a short segment from Pradhan’s press conference held in May 2026 regarding the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.
Claim:
A user on social media platform X, with the username @sumitjaiswal02, shared the viral video on July 25, 2026, claiming that “Dharmendra Pradhan has officially resigned from the post of Education Minister.” In the video, Pradhan is allegedly heard saying, “I am resigning from the post of Education Minister due to personal reasons. I thank everyone for this opportunity.”
The link, archive link and screenshot of the post are provided below
https://x.com/sumitjaiswal02/status/2080947511150448868?s=20
Fact Check:
To verify the viral claim, the Desk conducted an open-source search. During the research, several reports related to Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation were found on credible news platforms and official sources. However, no authentic video was found on any official platform or verified news outlet showing Pradhan making the resignation statement heard in the viral clip.The research did find his resignation letter, which he shared through his official social media account. However, no official video statement announcing his resignation was available. Dharmendra Pradhan’s X post regarding his resignation can be accessed here:
https://x.com/dpradhanbjp/status/2080938216505667663?s=20
Further research involved extracting key frames from the viral video and conducting a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led the Desk to a video uploaded on Dharmendra Pradhan’s official YouTube channel on May 15, 2026. The video showed Pradhan addressing a press conference regarding the NEET UG 2026 re-examination. The video link and screenshot are provided below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkcYnwOAj0M
After analysing the audio of the viral video, the PTI Fact Check Desk extracted the audio track and examined it using the AI audio detection tool Resemble AI. The analysis indicated that the audio used in the viral video was AI-generated and did not contain Dharmendra Pradhan’s original voice or any genuine statement made by him.
Conclusion:
Based on the research, the Desk concluded that the viral video has been digitally altered by adding AI-generated audio to falsely attribute a resignation statement to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The research found that the video uses a short segment from Pradhan’s May 2026 press conference on the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, which was modified by adding a fabricated AI-generated voice. The altered video is being circulated with a misleading claim about his resignation.
Executive Summary
Amid renewed military tensions between Iran and Israel in West Asia, a video is widely circulating on social media showing a multi-storey building being struck, followed by a massive explosion and fire. Several users are sharing this clip with the claim that it shows a recent Iranian attack on Tel Aviv, Israel. However, CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the claim is misleading. The viral video has no connection to the current Iran–Israel conflict. It is actually from a Russian drone strike in Ukraine that took place in September 2025, and is now being falsely linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Claim
An Instagram user shared the viral video with the caption:“Iran–Israel tensions at peak, reports of retaliatory action towards Tel Aviv… New wave of Iranian response towards Tel Aviv amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The situation in the region continues to intensify as both sides accuse each other, while the international community closely monitors developments. The Middle East situation is rapidly evolving and updates are emerging. It is important to rely only on official information and credible sources.”
https://www.instagram.com/shan_of_voice/reel/DZWRp8vqiM8
https://archive.ph/s26qV
Fact Check
To verify the authenticity of the video, we extracted keyframes and conducted a Google Lens reverse image search. The same footage was found in a report published by The Guardian on 16 September 2025.
According to the report, the video shows a Russian drone strike on a building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in which three men and one woman were injured.
Further verification through keyword search led us to the same footage on the official YouTube channel of Associated Press, published on 17 September 2025.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAke3aAhPxs
The Associated Press also confirmed that the video shows a Russian drone strike on a building in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral video has no connection to the ongoing Iran–Israel tensions or any attack on Tel Aviv. The footage is from a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine (September 2025), and is being misleadingly shared in the context of the West Asia conflict.
