#FactCheck: Fake viral AI video captures a real-time bridge failure incident in Bihar

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.

Read more at: https://www.cxotoday.com/press-release/safer-internet-day-2023-cyberpeace-launch-isafe-multimedia-resources-cyberpeace-tv-and-cyberpeace-cafe/

Introduction

In a world where social media dictates public perception and content created by AI dilutes the difference between fact and fiction, mis/disinformation has become a national cybersecurity threat. Today, disinformation campaigns are designed for their effect, with political manipulation, interference in public health, financial fraud, and even community violence. India, with its 900+ million internet users, is especially susceptible to this distortion online. The advent of deep fakes, AI-text, and hyper-personalised propaganda has made disinformation more plausible and more difficult to identify than ever. 

What is Misinformation?

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information provided without intent to deceive. Disinformation, on the other hand, is content intentionally designed to mislead and created and disseminated to harm or manipulate. Both are responsible for what experts have termed an "infodemic", overwhelming people with a deluge of false information that hinders their ability to make decisions. 

Examples of impactful mis/disinformation are:

• COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories (e.g., infertility or microchips)
• Election-related false news (e.g., EVM hacking so-called)
• Social disinformation (e.g., manipulated videos of riots)
• Financial scams (e.g., bogus UPI cashbacks or RBI refund plans)

How Misinformation Spreads

Misinformation goes viral because of both technology design and human psychology. Social media sites such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp are designed to amplify messages that elicit high levels of emotional reactions are usually polarising, sensationalistic, or fear-mongering posts. This causes falsehoods or misinformation to get much more attention and activity than authentic facts, and therefore prioritises virality over truth.

Another major consideration is the misuse of generative AI and deep fakes. Applications like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and ElevenLabs can be used to generate highly convincing fake news stories, audio recordings, or videos imitating public figures. These synthetic media assets are increasingly being misused by bad actors for political impersonation, propagating fabricated news reports, and even carrying out voice-based scams.

To this danger are added coordinated disinformation efforts that are commonly operated by foreign or domestic players with certain political or ideological objectives. These efforts employ networks of bot networks on social media, deceptive hashtags, and fabricated images to sway public opinion, especially during politically sensitive events such as elections, protests, or foreign wars. Such efforts are usually automated with the help of bots and meme-driven propaganda, which makes them scalable and traceless.

Why Misinformation is Dangerous

Mis/disinformation is a significant threat to democratic stability, public health, and personal security. Perhaps one of the most pernicious threats is that it undermines public trust. If it goes unchecked, then it destroys trust in core institutions like the media, judiciary, and electoral system. This erosion of public trust has the potential to destabilise democracies and heighten political polarisation.

In India, false information has had terrible real-world outcomes, especially in terms of creating violence. Misleading messages regarding child kidnappers on WhatsApp have resulted in rural mob lynching. As well, communal riots have been sparked due to manipulated religious videos, and false terrorist warnings have created public panic.

The pandemic of COVID-19 also showed us how misinformation can be lethal. Misinformation regarding vaccine safety, miracle cures, and the source of viruses resulted in mass vaccine hesitancy, utilisation of dangerous treatments, and even avoidable deaths.

Aside from health and safety, mis/disinformation has also been used in financial scams. Cybercriminals take advantage of the fear and curiosity of the people by promoting false investment opportunities, phishing URLs, and impersonation cons. Victims get tricked into sharing confidential information or remitting money using seemingly official government or bank websites, leading to losses in crypto Ponzi schemes, UPI scams, and others.

India’s Response to Misinformation

1. PIB Fact Check Unit

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) operates a fact-checking service to debunk viral false information, particularly on government policies. In 3 years, the unit identified more than 1,500 misinformation posts across media.

2. Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

Working under MHA, I4C has collaborated with social media platforms to identify sources of viral misinformation. Through the Cyber Tipline, citizens can report misleading content through 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

3. IT Rules  (The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 [updated as on 6.4.2023]

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules were updated to enable the government to following aspects:

• Removal of unlawful content
• Platform accountability

4. Detection Tools

There are certain detection tool that works as shields in assisting fact-checkers and enforcement bodies to:

• Identify synthetic voice and video scams through technical measures.
• Track misinformation networks.
• Label manipulated media in real-time.

CyberPeace View: Solutions for a Misinformation-Resilient Bharat

1. Scale Digital Literacy

"Think Before You Share" programs for rural schools to teach students to check sources, identify clickbait, and not reshare fake news. 

2. Platform Accountability

Technology platforms need to:

• Flag manipulated media.
• Offer algorithmic transparency.
• Mark AI-created media.
• Provide localised fact-checking across diverse Indian languages.

3. Community-Led Verification

Establish WhatsApp and Telegram "Fact Check Hubs" headed by expert organisations, industry experts,  journalists, and digital volunteers who can report at the grassroots level fake content.

4. Legal Framework for Deepfakes

Formulate targeted legislation under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other relevant laws to make malicious deepfake and synthetic media use a criminal offense for:

• Electoral manipulation.
• Defamation.
• Financial scams.

5. AI Counter-Misinformation Infrastructure

Invest in public sector AI models trained specifically to identify:

• Coordinated disinformation patterns.
• Botnet-driven hashtag campaigns.
• Real-time viral fake news bursts.

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Conclusion

Mis/disinformation is more than just a content issue, it's a public health, cybersecurity, and democratic stability challenge. As India enters the digitally empowered world, making a secure, informed, and resilient information ecosystem is no longer a choice; now, it's imperative. Fighting misinformation demands a whole-of-society effort with AI innovation, public education, regulatory overhaul, and tech responsibility. The danger is there, but so is the opportunity to guide the world toward a fact-first, trust-based digital age. It's time to act.

References

• https://www.pib.gov.in/factcheck.aspx
• https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/02/Information-Technology-Intermediary-Guidelines-and-Digital-Media-Ethics-Code-Rules-2021-updated-06.04.2023-.pdf
• https://www.cyberpeace.org
• https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cezwr3d2085t
• https://www.logically.ai
• https://www.altnews.in

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The world of Artificial Intelligence is entering a new phase with the rise of Agentic AI, often described as the third wave of AI evolution. Unlike earlier systems that relied on static models (that learn from the information that is fed) and reactive outputs, Agentic AI introduces intelligent agents that can make decisions, take initiative, and act autonomously in real time. These systems are designed to require minimal human oversight while actively collaborating and learning continuously. Such capabilities indicate an incoming shift, especially in the ways in which Indian businesses can function. For better understanding, Agentic AI is capable of streamlining operations, personalising services, and driving innovations at scale.

India and Agentic AI

Building as we go, India is making continuous strides in the AI revolution- deliberating on government frameworks, and simultaneously adapting. At Microsoft's Pinnacle 2025 summit in Hyderabad, India's pivotal role in shaping the future of Agentic AI was brought to the spotlight. With over 17 million developers on GitHub and ambitions to become the world's largest developer community by 2028, India's tech talent is gearing up to lead global AI innovations. Microsoft's Azure AI Foundry, also highlighted the country's growing influence in the AI landscape.

Indian companies are actively integrating Agentic AI into their operations to enhance efficiency and customer experience. Zomato is leveraging AI agents to optimise delivery logistics, ensuring timely and efficient service. Infosys has developed AI-driven copilots to assist developers in code generation, reducing development time, requiring fewer people to work on a particular project, and improving software quality. 

As per a report by Deloitte, the Indian AI market is projected to grow potentially $20 billion by 2028. However, this is accompanied by significant challenges. 92% of Indian executives identify security concerns as the primary obstacle to responsible AI usage. Additionally, regulatory uncertainties and privacy risks associated with sensitive data were also highlighted.

Challenges in Adoption

Despite the enthusiasm, several barriers hinder the widespread adoption of Agentic AI in India:

• Skills Gap: While the AI workforce is expected to grow to 1.25 million by 2027, the current growth rate of 13% is considered to be insufficient with respect to the demands of the market. 
• Data Infrastructure: Effective AI systems require robust, structured, and accessible datasets. Many organisations lack the necessary data maturity, leading to flawed AI outputs and decision-making failures.
• Trust and Governance: Building trust in AI systems is crucial. Concerns over data privacy, ethical usage, and regulatory compliance require robust governance frameworks to ensure the adoption of AI in a responsible manner.
• Looming fear of job loss: As AI continues to take up more sophisticated roles, a general feeling of hesitancy with respect to the loss of employment/human labour might come in the way of adopting such measures.
• Outsourcing: Currently, most companies prefer outsourcing or buying AI solutions rather than building them in-house. This gives rise to the issue of adapting to evolving needs.

The Road Ahead

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To fully realise the potential of Agentic AI, India must address the following challenges :

• Training the Workforce: Initiatives and workshops tailored for employees that provide AI training can prove to be helpful. Some relevant examples are Microsoft’s commitment to provide AI training to 2 million individuals by 2025 and Infosys's in-house AI training programs.
• Data Readiness: Investing in modern data infrastructure and promoting data literacy are essential to improve data quality and accessibility.
• Establishing Governance Frameworks: Developing clear regulatory guidelines and ethical standards will foster trust and facilitate responsible AI adoption. Like the IndiaAI mission, efforts regarding evolving technology and keeping up with it are imperative.

Agentic AI holds unrealised potential to transform India's business landscape when coupled with innovation and a focus on quality that enhances global competitiveness. India is at a position where by proactively addressing the existing challenges, this potential can be realised and set the foundation for a new technological revolution (along with in-house development), solidifying its position as a global AI leader.

References

• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/india-facing-shortage-of-agentic-ai-professionals-amid-surge-in-demand/articleshow/120651512.cms?from=mdr
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/india-a-global-leader-in-agentic-ai-adoption-deloitte-report/articleshow/119906474.cms?from=mdr
• https://inc42.com/features/from-zomato-to-infosys-why-indias-biggest-companies-are-betting-on-agentic-ai/
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/agentic-ai-next-big-leap-in-workplace-automation-101742548406693.html
• https://www.deloitte.com/in/en/about/press-room/india-rides-the-agentic-ai-wave.html
• https://www.businesstoday.in/tech-today/news/story/ais-next-chapter-starts-in-india-microsoft-champions-agentic-ai-at-pinnacle-2025-474286-2025-05-01
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/calm-before-ai-storm-a-moment-to-prepare-101746110985736.html‍
• https://www.financialexpress.com/life/technology/why-agentic-ai-is-the-next-big-thing/3828357/