#FactCheck : AI Video Falsely Shows Iran Destroying Israeli Military Base

Digital vulnerabilities like cyber-attacks and data breaches proliferate rapidly in the hyper-connected world that is created today. These vulnerabilities can compromise sensitive data like personal information, financial data, and intellectual property and can potentially threaten businesses of all sizes and in all sectors. Hence, it has become important to inform all stakeholders about any breach or attack to ensure they can be well-prepared for the consequences of such an incident.  

The non-reporting of reporting can result in heavy fines in many parts of the world. Data breaches caused by malicious acts are crimes and need proper investigation. Organisations may face significant penalties for failing to report the event. Failing to report data breach incidents can result in huge financial setbacks and legal complications. To understand why transparency is vital and understanding the regulatory framework that governs data breaches is the first step. 

The Current Indian Regulatory Framework on Data Breach Disclosure

A data breach essentially, is the unauthorised processing or accidental disclosure of personal data, which may occur through its acquisition, sharing, use, alteration, destruction, or loss of access. Such incidents can compromise the affected data’s confidentiality, integrity, or availability. In India, the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023 are the primary legislation that tackles cybercrimes like data breaches. 

• Under the DPDP Act, neither materiality thresholds nor express timelines have been prescribed for the reporting requirement. Data Fiduciaries are required to report incidents of personal data breach, regardless of their sensitivity or impact on the Data Principal. 
• The IT (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and Manner of Performing Functions and Duties) Rules, 2013, the IT (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, along with the Cyber Security Directions, under section 70B(6) of the IT Act, 2000, relating to information security practices, procedure, prevention, response and reporting of cyber incidents for Safe & Trusted Internet prescribed in 2022 impose mandatory notification requirements on service providers, intermediaries, data centres and corporate entities, upon the occurrence of certain cybersecurity incidents. 
• These laws and regulations obligate companies to report any breach and any incident to regulators such as the CERT-In and the Data Protection Board.

The Consequences of Non-Disclosure

A non-disclosure of a data breach has a manifold of consequences. They are as follows:

• Legal and financial penalties are the immediate consequence of a data breach in India. The DPDP Act prescribes a fine of up to Rs 250 Crore from the affected parties, along with suits of a civil nature and regulatory scrutiny. Non-compliance can also attract action from CERT-In, leading to more reputational damage.
• In the long term, failure to disclose data breaches can erode customer trust as they are less likely to engage with a brand that is deemed unreliable. Investor confidence may potentially waver due to concerns about governance and security, leading to stock price drops or reduced funding opportunities. Brand reputation can be significantly tarnished, and companies may struggle with retaining and attracting customers and employees. This can affect long-term profitability and growth.
• Companies such as BigBasket and Jio in 2020 and Haldiram in 2022 have suffered from data breaches recently. Poor transparency and delay in disclosures led to significant reputational damage, legal scrutiny, and regulatory actions for the companies.

Measures for Improvement: Building Corporate Reputation via Transparency

Transparency is critical when disclosing data breaches. It enhances trust and loyalty for a company when the priority is data privacy for stakeholders. Ensuring transparency mitigates backlash. It demonstrates a company’s willingness to cooperate with authorities. A farsighted approach instils confidence in all stakeholders in showcasing a company's resilience and commitment to governance. These measures can be further improved upon by:

• Offering actionable steps for companies to establish robust data breach policies, including regular audits, prompt notifications, and clear communication strategies. 
• Highlighting the importance of cooperation with regulatory bodies and how to ensure compliance with the DPDP Act and other relevant laws. 
• Sharing best public communications practices post-breach to manage reputational and legal risks.

Conclusion

Maintaining transparency when a data breach happens is more than a legal obligation. It is a good strategy to retain a corporate reputation. Companies can mitigate the potential risks (legal, financial and reputational) by informing stakeholders and cooperating with regulatory bodies proactively. In an era where digital vulnerabilities are ever-present, clear communication and compliance with data protection laws such as the DPDP Act build trust, enhance corporate governance, and secure long-term business success. Proactive measures, including audits, breach policies, and effective public communication, are critical in reinforcing resilience and fostering stakeholder confidence in the face of cyber threats.

References

• https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Digital%20Personal%20Data%20Protection%20Act%202023.pdf 
• https://www.cert-in.org.in/PDF/CERT-In_Directions_70B_28.04.2022.pdf 
• https://chawdamrunal.medium.com/the-dark-side-of-covering-up-data-breaches-why-transparency-is-crucial-fe9ed10aac27 
• https://www.dlapiperdataprotection.com/index.html?t=breach-notification&c=IN

At Semicon India 2025 held recently, the Prime Minister declared, “when the chips are down, you can bet on India”.  The event showcased the country’s first indigenous microprocessor, Vikram, developed by ISRO’s Semiconductor Lab, and announced that commercial chip production will begin by the end of 2025. India aims to become a global player in semiconductor production, and build self-reliance in a world where global supply chains are shifting rapidly. 

Why Semiconductors Matter

Semiconductors power almost everything around us, from laptops and air conditioners to cars and even the tiniest gadget we hardly notice . They’ve rightly been called the “oil of the digital age” because our entire digital world depends on them. But the global supply chain for chips is heavily concentrated. Taiwan alone makes over 60% of the world’s semiconductors and nearly 90% of the most advanced ones. Rising tensions between China and Taiwan have only shown how fragile and risky this dependence can be for the rest of the world. For India, building its own semiconductor base is not just about technology, it is about economic security and reduced dependence on imports.

India’s Push: The Numbers and Projects

The government has committed nearly US$18 billion across 10 projects, making it one of the country’s largest industrial bets in decades. Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, ₹76,000 crore (about US$9.1 billion) was set aside, of which most has already been allocated.

Key developments include:

• Vikram processor – developed at ISRO’s Semiconductor Lab, fabricated on 180nm technology.
• CG Power facility in Sanand, Gujarat – launched in 2024, scaling chip assembly and testing.
• Micron’s investment – ₹22,500+ crore in Gujarat for packaging and testing.
• Tata Electronics–PSMC partnership – ₹91,000 crore tie-up with Taiwan’s Powerchip for fabs.

The domestic market, valued at US$38 billion in 2023, is expected to touch US$100–110 billion by 2030 if growth sustains.

The Technology Gap

While the Vikram chip, a 32 bit microprocessor, is a proud milestone, it highlights the technology gap  India faces. The chip was fabricated using a 180nm CMOS process, a process that was cutting-edge back in the early 2000s. Today, companies like TSMC and Samsung are already producing 3nm chips for smartphones and AI servers, whereas those like Nvidia and Apple have developed chips 2ith 64-bit processing capabilities.

This means India's main focus, to become self-reliant in the mature end of the spectrum useful for space, defense, and automotives and electronics, is far from the global cutting edge. Bridging this gap will require both time and deep technical expertise.

Talent and Design Strengths

On the positive side, India already contributes around 20% of global semiconductor design talent. Two advanced design centers—one in Noida and another in Bengaluru—are working on 3nm designs. The government’s Design Linked Incentive scheme has cleared 20+ projects to nurture startups in chip design.

Over 60,000 engineers have been trained under various programs, but scaling this to the hundreds of thousands needed for fabs remains a challenge. Unlike software development, semiconductor fabrication demands highly specialised skills in process engineering, yield optimization, and supply chain logistics.

Lessons from Global Players

Countries like Taiwan, South Korea, and the US didn’t build their chip industries overnight. Taiwan’s TSMC spent decades and billions of dollars mastering yield rates and building trust with clients. The US recently passed the CHIPS and Science Act to revive domestic production, while the EU has its own Chips Act. Japan, too, has pledged billions, including ¥10 trillion in cooperation with India.

These examples show that success depends not just on funding , but also on harmony between government and private players, consistent execution, ecosystem building, and global partnerships.

The Challenges Ahead

India’s ambitions face several hurdles:

• Capital intensity – A single leading-edge fab costs US$10–20 billion, and requires constant upgrades.
• Supply chain complexity – Hundreds of chemicals, gases, and precision tools are needed, many of which India doesn’t yet produce domestically.
• Technology transfer – Advanced lithography machines (from ASML in the Netherlands, for example) are tightly controlled and not easily available.
• Execution risks – Moving from announcements to commercially viable fabs with competitive yields is where many countries have stumbled.

The Way Forward

India has big ambitions in the field of semi-conductor design and manufacturing, with the goal of becoming a major  global exporter instead of importer. The country appears to be adopting a step-by-step approach, starting with assembly, testing, and mature-node fabs, while simultaneously investing in design, research, and talent. Every successful global power in this industry first mastered older nodes before advancing to cutting-edge levels.

At the same time, international collaborations with players like Micron, Tata-PSMC, and Japan will be critical for technology transfer and capacity building. If India can combine its engineering talent, rising domestic demand, and government backing with the PLI scheme, and drive global collaborations, the outlook can be promising. 

Conclusion

India’s semiconductor story is just beginning, but the direction is clear. The Vikram processor and investment announcement at Semicon 2025 shows the intent of the government. The hard part now lies ahead: moving from prototypes to large-scale production and globally competitive fabs in an industry that demands substantial investment, flawless execution, and years of patience.

Yet the stakes couldn’t be higher. Semiconductors will shape the future of economies and national security . If India plays its cards right by nurturing talent, innovating and researching, and driving global partnerships,  the dream of becoming a global semiconductor hub may well move from ambition to reality.

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References 

• https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/when-chips-are-down-bet-on-india-pm-narendra-modis-big-semiconductor-push-6539317 
• https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/what-is-vikram-32-bit-chip-presented-to-pm-modi-at-semicon-india-2025-2780582-2025-09-02#
• https://www.visionofhumanity.org/the-worlds-dependency-on-taiwans-semiconductor-industry-is-increasing/ 
• https://m.economictimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/tata-electronics-and-powerchip-semiconductor-manufacturing-corporation-to-build-indias-first-semiconductor-fab/articleshow/113694273.cms 
• https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/10-trillion-yen-in-10-years-japan-pledges-big-investment-in-india-125082901564_1.html 
• https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2023/06/vulnerabilities-in-the-semiconductor-supply-chain_f4de7491/6bed616f-en.pdf 
• https://techwireasia.com/2025/09/semiconductor-india-commercial-production-2025/ 

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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:

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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