#FactCheck-AI-generated video falsely shared as real footage of Assam floods
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media showing a flood-affected area. In the video, several houses appear to be almost completely submerged in water, with only their triangular rooftops visible above the surface. Several people can be seen sitting on these rooftops, while ducks and other animals appear to be floating in the water. The video is being shared with the claim that it shows the real situation during the recent floods in Assam. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be misleading. The research revealed that the viral video is not from any real flood incident but was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although the flood situation in Assam is real and several parts of the state have been affected, the viral video has no connection with those events. The AI-generated video is being falsely shared as an actual visual from the Assam floods.
Claim
A user on Instagram shared the viral video on July 27, 2026, claiming that Assam continues to face severe flooding, with more than seven lakh people affected. The post link, archive link and screenshot are provided below.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbSVmAApQf6/
FactCheck
To verify the authenticity of the viral claim, we extracted several key frames from the video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. The search did not reveal any credible news report, official source, or reliable information confirming that the video showed real flood visuals from Assam. During the research, we found a report published by Aaj Tak on July 27, 2026. According to the report, the flood situation in Assam remained severe, with several deaths reported and more than 7.05 lakh people affected across nine districts of the state. The report link and screenshot are provided below.
As the video appeared suspicious, we analysed it using the AI detection tool HIVE Moderation. The tool’s analysis indicated a 98.8 percent probability that the video was AI-generated, suggesting that it was not a real recording.
Further research was carried out using another AI detection tool, DetectVideo.AI, which found a 77 percent likelihood of the video being AI-generated.
For additional verification, we extracted key frames from the viral video and analysed them using another AI detection tool, AI or Not. The tool’s assessment indicated a 96 percent probability that the visuals were AI-generated.
Conclusion
The research established that the viral video is not from a real flood incident but was created using AI. While flooding in Assam is a real situation, this AI-generated video is unrelated to the actual floods and is being circulated on social media with a misleading claim.
Related Blogs
Executive Summary
A video of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is being widely shared on social media. In the clip, Gandhi is seen saying that he does not know what “G Gram G” is. Several users are sharing the video with the claim that Rahul Gandhi insulted Lord Ram. However, CyberPeace research found that the claim is misleading. Rahul Gandhi was not referring to Lord Ram in the video. Instead, he was speaking about a newly introduced law titled Viksit Bharat–G RAM G (VB–G RAM G), which has been brought in to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The viral clip has been shared with a false narrative.
Claim
On January 22, 2026, an Instagram user apnisarkar2024 shared the video claiming, “Rahul Gandhi once again insulted Shri Ram.” (Link, archive link, and screenshot available above)
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTzeiy0k3l5
- https://perma.cc/J3A3-NGBM?type=standard
Research
As part of the Research, we first closely examined the viral video. In the clip, Rahul Gandhi is heard saying: “I don’t know what Gram G is. I don’t even know the name of this new law… what is G Gram G…” At no point in the video does Rahul Gandhi mention Lord Ram or make any comment related to religion. To verify the context, we extracted keyframes from the viral clip and conducted a Google Lens search. This led us to a longer version of the same speech uploaded on the official YouTube channel of the Indian National Congress on January 22, 2026. The viral segment appears after the 39:50-minute mark.
The video is from the National MGNREGA Convention held in New Delhi, where Rahul Gandhi criticised the central government over the replacement of MGNREGA with the new VB–G RAM G law. During his speech, he expressed his opposition to the new legislation and stated that he was unfamiliar with its details. Throughout the address, he did not mention or refer to Lord Ram in any manner.
Conclusion
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the viral video were related to the newly introduced VB–G RAM G law and were part of his criticism of the central government’s policy decisions. He did not insult Lord Ram. The video is being shared on social media with a misleading and false claim.
AI-generated content has been taking up space in the ever-changing dynamics of today's tech landscape. Generative AI has emerged as a powerful tool that has enabled the creation of hyper-realistic audio, video, and images. While advantageous, this ability has some downsides, too, particularly in content authenticity and manipulation.
The impact of this content is varied in the areas of ethical, psychological and social harms seen in the past couple of years. A major concern is the creation of non-consensual explicit content, including nudes. This content includes content where an individual’s face gets superimposed onto explicit images or videos without their consent. This is not just a violation of privacy for individuals, and can have humongous consequences for their professional and personal lives. This blog examines the existing laws and whether they are equipped to deal with the challenges that this content poses.
Understanding the Deepfake Technology
Deepfake technology is a media file (image, video, or speech) that typically represents a human subject that is altered deceptively using deep neural networks (DNNs). It is used to alter a person’s identity, and it usually takes the form of a “face swap” where the identity of a source subject is transferred onto a destination subject. The destination’s facial expressions and head movements remain the same, but the appearance in the video is that of the source. In the case of videos, the identities can be substituted by way of replacement or reenactment.
This superimposed content creates realistic content, such as fake nudes. Presently, creating a deepfake is not a costly endeavour. It requires a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), software that is free, open-source, and easy to download, and graphics editing and audio-dubbing skills. Some of the common apps to create deepfakes are DeepFaceLab and FaceSwap, which are both public and open source and are supported by thousands of users who actively participate in the evolution and development of these software and models.
Legal Gaps and Challenges
Multiple gaps and challenges exist in the legal space for deepfakes and their regulation. They are:
- The inadequate definitions governing AI-generated explicit content often lead to enforcement challenges.
- Jurisdictional challenges due to the cross-border nature of crimes and the difficulties caused by international cooperation measures are in the early stages for AI content.
- There is a gap between the current consent-based and harassment laws for AI-generated nudes.
- Providing evidence or providing proof for the intent and identification of perpetrators in digital crimes is a challenge that is yet to be overcome.
Policy Responses and Global Trends
Presently, the global response to deepfakes is developing. The UK has developed the Online Safety Bill, the EU has the AI Act, the US has some federal laws such as the National AI Initiative Act of 2020 and India is currently developing the India AI Act as the specific legislation dealing with AI and its correlating issues.
The IT Rules, 2021, and the DPDP Act, 2023, regulate digital platforms by mandating content governance, privacy policies, grievance redressal, and compliance with removal orders. Emphasising intermediary liability and safe harbour protections, these laws play a crucial role in tackling harmful content like AI-generated nudes, while the DPDP Act focuses on safeguarding privacy and personal data rights.
Bridging the Gap: CyberPeace Recommendations
- Initiate legislative reforms by advocating for clear and precise definitions for the consent frameworks and instituting high penalties for AI-based offences, particularly those which are aimed at sexually explicit material.
- Advocate for global cooperation and collaborations by setting up international standards and bilateral and multilateral treaties that address the cross-border nature of these offences.
- Platforms should push for accountability by pushing for stricter platform responsibility for the detection and removal of harmful AI-generated content. Platforms should introduce strong screening mechanisms to counter the huge influx of harmful content.
- Public campaigns which spread awareness and educate users about their rights and the resources available to them in case such an act takes place with them.
Conclusion
The rapid advancement of AI-generated explicit content demands immediate and decisive action. As this technology evolves, the gaps in existing legal frameworks become increasingly apparent, leaving individuals vulnerable to profound privacy violations and societal harm. Addressing this challenge requires adaptive, forward-thinking legislation that prioritises individual safety while fostering technological progress. Collaborative policymaking is essential and requires uniting governments, tech platforms, and civil society to develop globally harmonised standards. By striking a balance between innovation and societal well-being, we can ensure that the digital age is not only transformative but also secure and respectful of human dignity. Let’s act now to create a safer future!
References
- https://etedge-insights.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/deepfakes-and-the-future-of-digital-security-are-we-ready/
- https://odsc.medium.com/the-rise-of-deepfakes-understanding-the-challenges-and-opportunities-7724efb0d981
- https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/blog/how-easy-is-it-to-make-and-detect-a-deepfake/
Executive Summary:
Assembly elections are underway in several Indian states, including West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. While voting has already taken place in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, polling is still pending in West Bengal. In view of the elections, central security forces have been deployed across West Bengal. Amid this, a video showing a group of people pelting stones at a security vehicle is being widely shared on social media. Some users claim that the incident took place in West Bengal and allege that Muslims attacked an army vehicle. However, research by CyberPeace found the claim to be false. The viral video is from Pakistan and has no connection to West Bengal.
Claim
A social media user shared the video on April 5, 2026, claiming that an army vehicle was attacked in West Bengal.
Post links:
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led us to a video posted on a Facebook page on October 13, 2025. The caption of that post indicated that the video was from Lahore, showing clashes between members of Tehreek-e-Labbaik and the police.
Further clues in the video also pointed to Pakistan. A shop sign reading “Lovely Drink Corner” is visible in the footage. A Google search confirmed that this establishment is located in Lahore, Pakistan.
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading. Although central forces have been deployed in West Bengal for the ongoing elections, the video showing stone-pelting on a security vehicle is not from the state. It is an old video from Lahore, Pakistan, and is being falsely shared with a communal angle to mislead users.
