#FactCheck-Mosque fire in India? False, it's from Indonesia
Executive Summary:
A social media viral post claims to show a mosque being set on fire in India, contributing to growing communal tensions and misinformation. However, a detailed fact-check has revealed that the footage actually comes from Indonesia. The spread of such misleading content can dangerously escalate social unrest, making it crucial to rely on verified facts to prevent further division and harm.
Claim:
The viral video claims to show a mosque being set on fire in India, suggesting it is linked to communal violence.
Fact Check
The investigation revealed that the video was originally posted on 8th December 2024. A reverse image search allowed us to trace the source and confirm that the footage is not linked to any recent incidents. The original post, written in Indonesian, explained that the fire took place at the Central Market in Luwuk, Banggai, Indonesia, not in India.
Conclusion: The viral claim that a mosque was set on fire in India isn’t True. The video is actually from Indonesia and has been intentionally misrepresented to circulate false information. This event underscores the need to verify information before spreading it. Misinformation can spread quickly and cause harm. By taking the time to check facts and rely on credible sources, we can prevent false information from escalating and protect harmony in our communities.
- Claim: The video shows a mosque set on fire in India
- Claimed On: Social Media
- Fact Check: False and Misleading
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Introduction
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union minister of state for information technology (IT), said that the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit, which brings together 29 member governments, including the European Union, announced on 13th December 2023 that the New Delhi Declaration had been adopted. The proclamation committed to developing AI applications for medical treatment and agribusiness jointly and taking the needs of the Global South into account when developing AI.
In addition, signing countries committed to leveraging the GPAI infrastructure to establish a worldwide structure for AI safety and trust, as well as to make AI advantages and approaches accessible to all. In order to complete the recommended structure in six months, India also submitted a proposal to host the GPAI Global Governance Summit.
“The New Delhi Declaration, which aims to place GPAI at the forefront of defining the future of AI in terms of both development and building cooperative AI across the partner states, has been unanimously endorsed by 29 GPAI member countries. Nations have come to an agreement to develop AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, and numerous other fields that affect all of our nations and citizens,” Chandrasekhar stated.
The statement highlights GPAI's critical role in tackling modern AI difficulties, such as generative AI, through submitted AI projects meant to maximize benefits and minimize related risks while solving community problems and worldwide difficulties.
GPAI
Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) is an organisation of 29 countries from the Americas (North and South), Europe and Asia. It has important players such as the US, France, Japan and India, but it excludes China. The previous meeting took place in Japan. In 2024, India will preside over GPAI.
In order to promote and steer the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence based on human rights, multiculturalism, gender equality, innovation, economic growth, the surroundings, and social impact, this forum was established in 2020. Its goal is to bring together elected officials and experts in order to make tangible contributions to the 2030 Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Given the quick and significant advancements in artificial intelligence over the previous year, the meeting in New Delhi attracted particular attention. They have sparked worries about its misuse as well as enthusiasm about its possible advantages.
The Summit
The G20 summit, which India hosted in September 2023, provided an atmosphere for the discussions at the GPAI summit. There, participants of this esteemed worldwide economic conference came to an agreement on how to safely use AI for "Good and for All."
In order to safeguard people's freedoms and security, member governments pledged to address AI-related issues "in a responsible, inclusive, and human-centric manner."
The key tactic devised is to distribute AI's advantages fairly while reducing its hazards. Promoting international collaboration and discourse on global management for AI is the first step toward accomplishing this goal.
A major milestone in that approach was the GPAI summit.
The conversation on AI was started by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is undoubtedly one of the most tech-aware and tech-conscious international authorities.
He noted that every system needs to be revolutionary, honest, and trustworthy in order to be sustained.
"There is no doubt that AI is transformative, but it is up to us to make it more and more transparent." He continued by saying that when associated social, ethical, and financial concerns are appropriately addressed, trust will increase.
After extensive discussions, the summit attendees decided on a strategy to establish global collaboration on a number of AI-related issues. The proclamation pledged to place GPAI at the leading edge of defining AI in terms of creativity and cooperation while expanding possibilities for AI in healthcare, agriculture, and other areas of interest, according to Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
There was an open discussion of a number of issues, including disinformation, joblessness and bias, protection of sensitive information, and violations of human rights. The participants reaffirmed their dedication to fostering dependable, safe, and secure AI within their respective domains.
Concerns raised by AI
- The issue of legislation comes first. There are now three methods in use. In order to best promote inventiveness, the UK government takes a "less is more" approach to regulation. Conversely, the European Union (EU) is taking a strong stance, planning to propose a new Artificial Intelligence Act that might categorize AI 'in accordance with use-case situations based essentially on the degree of interference and vulnerability'.
- Second, analysts say that India has the potential to lead the world in discussions about AI. For example, India has an advantage when it comes to AI discussions because of its personnel, educational system, technological stack, and populace, according to Markham Erickson of Google's Centers for Excellence. However, he voiced the hope that Indian regulations will be “interoperable” with those of other countries in order to maximize the benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises in the nation.
- Third, there is a general fear about how AI will affect jobs, just as there was in the early years of the Internet's development. Most people appear to agree that while many jobs won't be impacted, certain jobs might be lost as artificial intelligence develops and gets smarter. According to Erickson, the solution to the new circumstances is to create "a more AI-skilled workforce."
- Finally, a major concern relates to deepfakes defined as 'digital media, video, audio and images, edited and manipulated, using Artificial Intelligence (AI).'
Need for AI Strategy in Commercial Businesses
Firstly, astute or mobile corporate executives such as Shailendra Singh, managing director of Peak XV Partners, feel that all organisations must now have 'an AI strategy'.
Second, it is now impossible to isolate the influence of digital technology and artificial intelligence from the study of international relations (IR), foreign policy, and diplomacy. Academics have been contemplating and penning works of "the geopolitics of AI."
Combat Strategies
"We will talk about how to combine OECD capabilities to maximize our capacity to develop the finest approaches to the application and management of AI for the benefit of our people. The French Minister of Digital Transition and Telecommunications", Jean-Noël Barrot, informed reporters.
Vice-Minister of International Affairs for Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Hiroshi Yoshida stated, "We particularly think GPAI should be more inclusive so that we encourage more developing countries to join." Mr Chandrasekhar stated, "Inclusion of lower and middle-income countries is absolutely core to the GPAI mission," and added that Senegal has become a member of the steering group.
India's role in integrating agribusiness into the AI agenda was covered in a paragraph. The proclamation states, "We embrace the use of AI innovation in supporting sustainable agriculture as a new thematic priority for GPAI."
Conclusion
The New Delhi Declaration, which was adopted at the GPAI Summit, highlights the cooperative determination of 29 member nations to use AI for the benefit of all people. GPAI, which will be led by India in 2024, intends to influence AI research with an emphasis on healthcare, agriculture, and resolving ethical issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need to use AI responsibly and build clarity and confidence. Legislative concerns, India's potential for leadership, employment effects, and the difficulty of deepfakes were noted. The conference emphasized the importance of having an AI strategy in enterprises and covered battle tactics, with a focus on GPAI's objective, which includes tolerance for developing nations. Taken as a whole, the summit presents GPAI as an essential tool for navigating the rapidly changing AI field.
References
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ai-summit-adopts-new-delhi-declaration-on-inclusiveness-collaboration/article67635398.ece
- https://www.livemint.com/news/india/gpai-meet-adopts-new-delhi-ai-declaration-11702487342900.html
- https://startup.outlookindia.com/sector/policy/global-partnership-on-ai-member-nations-unanimously-adopt-new-delhi-declaration-news-10065
- https://gpai.ai/
Introduction
Deepfake have become a source of worry in an age of advanced technology, particularly when they include the manipulation of public personalities for deceitful reasons. A deepfake video of cricket star Sachin Tendulkar advertising a gaming app recently went popular on social media, causing the sports figure to deliver a warning against the widespread misuse of technology.
Scenario of Deepfake
Sachin Tendulkar appeared in the deepfake video supporting a game app called Skyward Aviator Quest. The app's startling quality has caused some viewers to assume that the cricket legend is truly supporting it. Tendulkar, on the other hand, has resorted to social media to emphasise that these videos are phony, highlighting the troubling trend of technology being abused for deceitful ends.
Tendulkar's Reaction
Sachin Tendulkar expressed his worry about the exploitation of technology and advised people to report such videos, advertising, and applications that spread disinformation. This event emphasises the importance of raising knowledge and vigilance about the legitimacy of material circulated on social media platforms.
The Warning Signs
The deepfake video raises questions not just for its lifelike representation of Tendulkar, but also for the material it advocates. Endorsing gaming software that purports to help individuals make money is a significant red flag, especially when such endorsements come from well-known figures. This underscores the possibility of deepfakes being utilised for financial benefit, as well as the significance of examining information that appears to be too good to be true.
How to Protect Yourself Against Deepfakes
As deepfake technology advances, it is critical to be aware of potential signals of manipulation. Here are some pointers to help you spot deepfake videos:
- Look for artificial facial movements and expressions, as well as lip sync difficulties.
- Body motions and Posture: Take note of any uncomfortable body motions or discrepancies in the individual's posture.
- Lip Sync and Audio Quality: Look for mismatches between the audio and lip motions.
- background and Content: Consider the video's background, especially if it has a popular figure supporting something in an unexpected way.
- Verify the legitimacy of the video by verifying the official channels or accounts of the prominent person.
Conclusion
The popularity of deepfake videos endangers the legitimacy of social media material. Sachin Tendulkar's response to the deepfake in which he appears serves as a warning to consumers to remain careful and report questionable material. As technology advances, it is critical that individuals and authorities collaborate to counteract the exploitation of AI-generated material and safeguard the integrity of online information.
Reference
- https://www.news18.com/tech/sachin-tendulkar-disturbed-by-his-new-deepfake-video-wants-swift-action-8740846.html
- https://www.livemint.com/news/india/sachin-tendulkar-becomes-latest-victim-of-deepfake-video-disturbing-to-see-11705308366864.html
Overview of the India-UK Joint Tech Security Initiative
India and the UK have been deepening their technological and security ties through various initiatives and agreements. One of the key developments in this partnership is the India-UK Joint Tech Security Initiative, which focuses on enhancing collaboration in areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI),telecommunications, and critical technologies. Building upon the bilateral cooperation agenda set out in the India-UK Roadmap 2030, which seeks to bolster cooperation across various sectors, including trade, climate change, antidefense, the UK and India launched the Joint Tech Security Initiative (TSI) on July 24, 2024. This initiative will priorities collaboration in critical and emerging technologies across priority sectors. Coordinating with the national security agencies of both countries, the TSI will set priority areas and identify interdependencies for cooperation on critical and emerging technologies. This, in turn, will help build meaningful technology value chain partnerships between India & the UK.
The TSI will be coordinated by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries through existing and new dialogues. The NSAswill set priority areas and identify interdependencies for cooperation on critical and emerging tech, helping build meaningful technology value chain partnerships between the two countries. Progress made on the initiative will be reviewed on a half-yearly basis at the Deputy NSA level. A bilateral mechanism will be established led by India's Ministry of External Affairs and the UK government for promotion of trade in critical and emerging technologies, including resolution of relevant licensing or regulatory issues. Both countries view this TSI as a platform and a strong signal of intent to build and grow sustainable and tangible partnerships across priority tech sectors. They will explore how to build a deeper strategic partnership between UK and Indian research and technology centres and Incubators, enhance cooperation across UK and India tech and innovation ecosystems, and create a channel for industry and academia to help shape the TSI.
The UK and India are launching new bilateral initiatives to expand and deepen their technology security partnership. These initiatives will focus on various domains, including telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, and energy security.
In telecoms, the UK and India will build a new Future Telecoms Partnership, focusing on joint research on future telecoms, open RAN systems, testbed linkups, telecoms security, spectrum innovation, software and systems architecture. This will include collaboration between UK's SONIC Labs, India's Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and Dot's Telecoms Startup Mission.
In critical minerals, the UK and India will expand their collaboration on critical minerals, working together to improve supply chain resilience, explore possible research and development and technology partnerships along the complete critical minerals value chain, and share best practices on ESG standards. They will establish a roadmap for cooperation and establish a UK-India ‘critical minerals’ community of academics, innovators, and industry.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Strengthening cybersecurity defense and enhancing resilience through joint cybersecurity exercises and information-sharing and developing common standards and best practices while collaborating with their respective organisations, ie, CERT-In and NCSC.
- Promotion of ethical AI development and deployment with AI ethics guidelines and frameworks, and efforts encouraging academic collaborations. Support for new partnerships between UK and Indian research organizations alongside existing joint programmes using AI to tackle global challenges.
- Building secure and resilient telecom infrastructure with a focus on security and exchange of expertise and regulatory cooperation. Collaboration on Open Radio Access Networks tech to name as an example.
- Critical and emerging technologies development by advancing research and innovation in the quantum, semiconductors and biotechnology niches. Promoting and investing in tech startups and innovation ecosystems. Engaging in policy dialogues on tech governance and standards.
- Digital economy and trade facilitation to promote economic growth by enhancing frameworks and agreements for it. Collaborating on digital payment systems and fintech solutions and most importantly promoting data protection and privacy standards.
Outlook and Impact on the Industry
The initiative sets out a new approach for how the UK and India work together on the defining technologies of this decade. These include areas such as telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health/biotechnology, advanced materials and semiconductors. While the initiative looks promising, several challenges need to be addressed such as the need to put robust regulatory frameworks in place, and develop a balanced approach for data privacy and information exchange in the cross-border data flows. It is imperative to install mechanisms that ensure that intellectual property is protected while the facilitation of technology transfer is not hampered. Above all, geopolitical risks need to be navigated in a manner that the tensions are reduced and a stable partnership grows. The Initiative builds on a series of partnerships between India and the UK, as well as between industry and academia. Abilateral mechanism, led by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the UK government, will promote trade in critical and emerging technologies, including the resolution of relevant licensing or regulatory issues.
Conclusion
This initiative, at its core, will drive forward a bilateral partnership that is framed on boosting economic growth and deepening cooperation across key issues including trade, technology, education, culture and climate. By combining their strengths, the UK and India are poised to create a robust framework for technological innovation and security that could serve as a model for international cooperation in tech.
References
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-uk-launch-joint-tech-security-initiative-101721876539784.html
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-india-technology-security-initiative-factsheet/uk-india-technology-security-initiative-factsheet
- https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-uk-unveil-futuristic-technology-security-initiative-to-seal-fta-soon-124072500014_1.htm
- https://bharatshakti.in/india-uk-technology-security-initiative/