#FactCheck: Old clip of Greenland tsunami depicts as tsunami in Japan
Executive Summary:
A viral video depicting a powerful tsunami wave destroying coastal infrastructure is being falsely associated with the recent tsunami warning in Japan following an earthquake in Russia. Fact-checking through reverse image search reveals that the footage is from a 2017 tsunami in Greenland, triggered by a massive landslide in the Karrat Fjord.
Claim:
A viral video circulating on social media shows a massive tsunami wave crashing into the coastline, destroying boats and surrounding infrastructure. The footage is being falsely linked to the recent tsunami warning issued in Japan following an earthquake in Russia. However, initial verification suggests that the video is unrelated to the current event and may be from a previous incident.
Fact Check:
The video, which shows water forcefully inundating a coastal area, is neither recent nor related to the current tsunami event in Japan. A reverse image search conducted using keyframes extracted from the viral footage confirms that it is being misrepresented. The video actually originates from a tsunami that struck Greenland in 2017. The original footage is available on YouTube and has no connection to the recent earthquake-induced tsunami warning in Japan
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) confirmed in a blog post on June 19, 2017, that the deadly Greenland tsunami on June 17, 2017, was caused by a massive landslide. Millions of cubic meters of rock were dumped into the Karrat Fjord by the landslide, creating a wave that was more than 90 meters high and destroying the village of Nuugaatsiaq. A similar news article from The Guardian can be found.
Conclusion:
Videos purporting to depict the effects of a recent tsunami in Japan are deceptive and repurposed from unrelated incidents. Users of social media are urged to confirm the legitimacy of such content before sharing it, particularly during natural disasters when false information can exacerbate public anxiety and confusion.
- Claim: Recent natural disasters in Russia are being censored
- Claimed On: Social Media
- Fact Check: False and Misleading
Related Blogs
In the Intricate mazes of the digital world, where the line between reality and illusion blurs, the quest for truth becomes a Sisyphean task. The recent firestorm of rumours surrounding global pop icon Dua Lipa's visit to Rajasthan, India, is a poignant example of this modern Dilemma. A single image, plucked from the continuum of time and stripped of context, became the fulcrum upon which a narrative of sexual harassment was precariously balanced. This incident, a mere droplet in the ocean of digital discourse, encapsulates the broader phenomenon of misinformation—a spectre that haunts the virtual halls of our interconnected existence.
Misinformation Incident
Amidst the ceaseless hum of social media, a claim surfaced with the tenacity of a weed in fertile soil: Dua Lipa, the three-time Grammy Award winner, had allegedly been subjected to sexual harassment during her sojourn in the historic city of Jodhpur. The evidence? A viral picture, its origins murky, accompanied by a caption that seemed to confirm the worst fears of her ardent followers. The digital populace quickly reacted, with many sharing the image, asserting the claim's veracity without pause for verification.
Unraveling the Fabric of Fake News: Fact-Checking Dua Lipa's India Experience
The narrative gained momentum through platforms of dubious credibility, such as the Twitter handle,' which, upon closer scrutiny by the Digital Forensics Research and Analytics Center, was revealed to be a purveyor of fake news. The very fabric of the claim began to unravel as the original photo was traced back to the official Facebook page of RVCJ Media, untainted by the allegations that had been so hastily ascribed to it. Moreover, the silence of Dua Lipa on the matter, rather than serving as a testament to the truth, inadvertently fueled the fires of speculation—a stark reminder of the paradox where the absence of denial is often misconstrued as an affirmation.
The pop star's words, shared on her Instagram account, painted a starkly different picture of her experience in India. She spoke not of fear and harassment, but of gratitude and joy, describing her trip as 'deeply meaningful' and expressing her luck to be 'within the magic' with her family. The juxtaposition of her heartfelt account with the sinister narrative constructed around her serves as a cautionary tale of the power of misinformation to distort and defile.
A Political Microcosm: Bye Elections of Telangana
Another incident is electoral misinformation, the political landscape of Telangana, India, bristled with anticipation as the Election Commission announced bye-elections for two Member of Legislative Council (MLC) seats. Here, too, the machinery of misinformation whirred into action, with political narratives being shaped and reshaped through the lens of partisan prisms. The electoral process, transparent in its intent, became susceptible to selective amplification, with certain facets magnified or distorted to fit entrenched political narratives. The bye-elections, thus, became a battleground not just for political supremacy but also for the integrity of information.
The Far-Reaching Claws of Misinformation: Fact Check
The misinformation regarding the experience of dua lipa upon India's visit and another incident of political Microcosm of Misinformation in Telangana are manifestations of a global challenge. Misinformation, adapts to the different contours of its environment, whether it be the gritty arena of politics or the glitzy realm of stardom. Its tentacles reach far and wide, with geopolitical implications that can destabilise regions, sow discord, and undermine the very pillars of democracy. The erosion of trust that misinformation engenders is perhaps its most insidious effect, as it chips away at the bedrock of societal cohesion and collective well-being.
Paradox of Technology
The same technological developments that have allowed the spread of misinformation also hold the keys to its containment. Artificial intelligence-powered fact-checking tools, blockchain-enabled transparency counter-measures, and comprehensive digital literacy campaigns stand as bulwarks against falsehoods. These tools, however, are not panaceas; they require the active engagement and critical thinking skills of each digital citizen to be truly effective.
Conclusion
As we stand at the cusp of the digital age, the way forward demands vigilance, collaboration, and innovation. Cultivating a digitally literate person, capable of discerning the nuances of digital content, is paramount. Governments, the tech industry, media companies, and civil society must join forces in a common front, leveraging their collective expertise in the battle against misinformation. Promoting algorithmic accountability and fostering diverse information ecosystems will also be crucial in mitigating the inadvertent amplification of falsehoods.
In the end, discerning truth in the digital age is a delicate process. It requires us to be attuned to the rhythm of reality, and wary of the seductive allure of unverified claims. As we navigate this digital realm, remember that the truth is not just a destination but a journey that demands our unwavering commitment to the pursuit of what is real and what is right.
References
- https://telanganatoday.com/eci-releases-schedule-for-bye-elections-to-two-mlc-seats-in-telangana
- https://www.oneindia.com/fact-check/was-pop-singer-dua-lipa-sexually-harassed-in-rajasthan-during-her-india-trip-heres-the-truth-3718833.html?story=3
- https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/edited-graphic-of-dua-lipa-being-sexually-harassed-in-jodhpur-falsely-shared-fact-check
Introduction
The appeal is to be heard by the TDSAT (telecommunication dispute settlement & appellate tribunal) regarding several changes under Digital personal data protection. The Changes should be a removal of the deemed consent, a change in appellate mechanism, No change in delegation legislation, and under data breach. And there are some following other changes in the bill, and the digital personal data protection bill 2023 will now provide a negative list of countries that cannot transfer the data.
New Version of the DPDP Bill
The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill has a new version. There are three major changes in the 2022 draft of the digital personal data protection bill. The changes are as follows: The new version proposes changes that there shall be no deemed consent under the bill and that the personal data processing should be for limited uses only. By giving the deemed consent, there shall be consent for the processing of data for any purposes. That is why there shall be no deemed consent.
- In the interest of the sovereignty
- The integrity of India and the National Security
- For the issue of subsidies, benefits, services, certificates, licenses, permits, etc
- To comply with any judgment or order under the law
- To protect, assist, or provide service in a medical or health emergency, a disaster situation, or to maintain public order
- In relation to an employee and his/her rights
The 2023 version now includes an appeals mechanism
It states that the Board will have the authority to issue directives for data breach remediation or mitigation, investigate data breaches and complaints, and levy financial penalties. It would be authorised to submit complaints to alternative dispute resolution, accept voluntary undertakings from data fiduciaries, and advise the government to prohibit a data fiduciary’s website, app, or other online presence if the terms of the law were regularly violated. The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal will hear any appeals.
The other change is in delegated legislation, as one of the criticisms of the 2022 version bill was that it gave the government extensive rule-making powers. The committee also raised the same concern with the ministry. The committed wants that the provisions that cannot be fully defined within the scope of the bill can be addressed.
The other major change raised in the new version bill is regarding the data breach; there will be no compensation for the data breach. This raises a significant concern for the victims, If the victims suffer a data breach and he approaches the relevant court or authority, he will not be awarded compensation for the loss he has suffered due to the data breach.
Need of changes under DPDP
There is a need for changes in digital personal data protection as we talk about the deemed consent so simply speaking, by ‘deeming’ consent for subsequent uses, your data may be used for purposes other than what it has been provided for and, as there is no provision for to be informed of this through mandatory notice, there may never even come to know about it.
Conclusion
The bill requires changes to meet the need of evolving digital landscape in the digital personal data protection 2022 draft. The removal of deemed consent will ultimately protect the data of the data principal. And the data of the data principal will be used or processed only for the purpose for which the consent is given. The change in the appellate mechanism is also crucial as it meets the requirements of addressing appeals. However, the no compensation for a data breach is derogatory to the interest of the victim who has suffered a data breach.
Introduction
As technology advances, global connectivity becomes increasingly vital. Meta's "Project Waterworth" once completed, will reach five major continents and span over 50,000 km, making it the world’s longest subsea cable project using the highest-capacity technology available. This project is expected to bring industry-leading connectivity to the U.S., India, Brazil, South Africa, and other key regions. It will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions.
In India, a project such as this will help accelerate this progress and support the country’s ambitious plans for its digital economy in cohesion with the significant growth and investment in digital infrastructure that is already underway. Subsea cable projects, such as Project Waterworth, are the backbone of global digital infrastructure, accounting for more than 95% of intercontinental traffic across the world’s oceans to seamlessly enable digital communication, video experiences, online transactions, and more.
Enhancing India's Digital Infrastructure
A subsea cable, or submarine cable, enhances global internet speed and reliability by carrying massive data volumes across ocean floors, connecting countries and continents. Compared to satellites, these cables offer greater stability and minimal disruptions.
Project Waterworth aims to build the world's longest 24-fibre pair cable, improving resilience and deployment speed. The project is expected to prevent the damages in high-risk areas, through the use of innovative routing with maximising deep-water placement (up to 7,000 meters) and enhanced burial techniques. This project will play a crucial role in the advancement of AI and emerging technologies, ensuring widespread access to their benefits in India.
CyberPeace Takeaways
The said project has the potential to have manifold implications ranging from economic and policy to India-US relations, data privacy and security concerns emerging from the increase in the data flows and others. A segregated list of takeaways is as follows:
- Economic and policy implications: The project can lead to economic growth as it has the potential for job creation, and investment opportunities and can lead to positioning India as a digital hub globally. The creation of regulatory frameworks that can support and secure a large-scale infrastructure project such as this is necessary.
- India- US Relations: This project will align with the commitments that were made in the US-India joint statement on undersea technology collaboration and strengthen them. It will further serve as a model for future collaborations between the nations’ tech entities.
- Concerns for Data Privacy and Security: A robust cybersecurity mechanism which can combat the potential risks associated with the increased data flows is required. The concerned authorities need to be vigilant in monitoring and ensuring compliance with the applicable data protection standards set such as the IT Act of 2000, the DPDP Act of 2023 and its rules(once finalised).
Conclusion
India has been provided with a transformative opportunity to bolster its digital landscape by the advent of Project Waterworth. The enhancement of internet speed, stability, and capacity, will strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and support economic growth. This project is also projected to accelerate AI-driven advancements in India. Moreover, this technological collaboration between India-US will strengthen their relations and set the stage for India to negotiate future global partnerships. A well-defined regulatory framework and strong cybersecurity measures will be crucial to proactively address data privacy, security, and governance challenges to ensure safe and equitable digital progress. As India continues its rapid digital expansion, engaging in informed discussions, policy planning, and strategic investments will be key to maximise Project Waterworth’s impact and propel India toward a more connected, innovative, and resilient digital future.
