#FactCheck: Old Jerusalem Clash Video Falsely Shared as Chaos at Tel Aviv Airport
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media showing a group of people clashing near a counter. The clip is being claimed to be from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. Users allege that panic caused by Iranian missile threats has led people to try to flee the country, resulting in chaos and fights over flight tickets. However, a research by the CyberPeace found the claim to be false. Our findings reveal that the video is not related to the recent tensions and is actually from 2025.
Claim:
The viral video is being shared with the claim that chaos has erupted at Tel Aviv’s airport, with people trying to leave Israel due to Iranian attacks. An X user named “AjjuShane Experience (@AjjuShane)” shared the video with the caption: “We need tickets, we need flights, we want to leave Israel. We will not stay here until Iranian missiles crush us. Clashes are now happening at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.”
Post link:
- https://x.com/AjjuShane/status/2032584953112965238
- https://x.com/AjjuShane/status/2032584953112965238
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the video and conducted a reverse image search on Google. During the research , we found the same video on a Facebook page named Ynet, where it was shared on July 20, 2025.
- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NgTmpaZCs/
- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NgTmpaZCs/
The video carried a caption in Hebrew. Upon translation, it stated that the incident took place at “Cinema City” in Jerusalem, where dozens of Jewish youths clashed with Arab cafeteria workers. The visuals showed youths vandalizing property and throwing objects at staff members, while staff retaliated. Some individuals sustained minor injuries, but no serious harm was reported. We also found the same video on the YouTube channel of The Times of India, published on July 20, 2025. The caption mentioned that anti-Arab riots broke out inside a Cinema City theatre in Jerusalem on July 19, showing youths vandalizing the premises and clashing with Arab employees.
Conclusion:
Our research clearly shows that the viral video is from 2025 and unrelated to any recent Iran-Israel tensions. It is being misleadingly shared as a recent incident from Tel Aviv airport.
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Introduction
India’s data centre sector is rapidly emerging as strategic national infrastructure at the centre of the country’s AI ambitions, fuelled by a combination of technological advancements and the global political economy. Estimates suggest that national data centre capacity is expected to rise from 1.2 GW in 2025 to almost 8 GW by 2030. With a funding of ₹10,372 crore, the IndiaAI Mission aims to establish domestic compute power and expand GPU infrastructure throughout the nation. Simultaneously, the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 has introduced a form of “soft localisation,” empowering the government to mandate domestic storage for sensitive categories of data.
Together, this push for infrastructure aims to transform India from a passive data market into an active shaper of global data flows. Yet India’s current policy model differs significantly from the approaches being adopted in other major digital economies. A comparison with Singapore and the European Union reveals that while India is focused on aggressive data centre expansion, other jurisdictions are increasingly prioritising sustainability, efficiency, and digital sovereignty.
This raises a critical policy question: can India scale its AI infrastructure ambitions while accounting for the governance and resource challenges that other markets are now attempting to correct?
India’s Incentive-Led AI Infrastructure Push
India’s current approach to data centre expansion is fundamentally facilitative. The state is acting as an enabler of rapid private investment through fiscal incentives and infrastructure prioritisation.
The Union Budget 2022 had classified data centres as “infrastructure,” which enables developers to access cheaper institutional financing and long-term capital. The Union Budget 2026 further introduced tax holidays for foreign cloud providers using Indian facilities for global operations. At the state level, governments such as Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are aggressively competing to attract hyperscale investments through electricity duty exemptions, expedited approvals, and “essential service” status designed to guarantee uninterrupted operations.
This approach reflects India’s broader strategic positioning. As global demand for AI compute accelerates, India seeks to establish itself not only as a major digital market, but as a sovereign compute hub for the Global South.
The IndiaAI Mission demonstrates this ambition clearly. By seeking to scale domestic GPU capacity to 100,000 units, the government is recognising that compute infrastructure is increasingly becoming geopolitically strategic. AI leadership will now depend on the ability to control and secure the physical infrastructure powering advanced AI systems.
However, while India’s policy framework strongly incentivises capacity creation, it remains relatively underdeveloped in areas such as sustainability benchmarks, resource management, and operational accountability.
Singapore and the European Union: Governance After Scale
Singapore and the European Union offer models of digital infrastructure governance as rapid infrastructure growth starts to raise resource and sovereignty issues.
With the limited energy resources and land at its disposal, Singapore has shifted from unrestricted data centre growth to a tightly managed sustainability-first model. Through the Data Centre Call for Application (DC-CFA) framework, only projects meeting strict efficiency and economic value criteria are approved. For instance, new facilities are expected to maintain Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) levels of 1.3 or lower and submit detailed water efficiency plans to comply with advanced environmental standards. The country has also developed tropical cooling standards that allow facilities to run at higher ambient temperatures, reducing cooling energy consumption significantly. Rather than uninhibited growth, Singapore is now geared towards growth efficiency.
The European Union, on the other hand, is pursuing a sovereignty-oriented governance model in response to geopolitical pressures. However, it is still introducing energy reporting requirements and waste heat recovery rules into digital infrastructure rules through the revised Energy Efficiency Directive and proposed EU Cloud and AI Development Act. Simultaneously, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is being used to investigate hyperscale cloud providers for potential “gatekeeper” behaviour, reflecting concerns about excessive concentration of digital infrastructure power in the hands of a few non-European firms. This approach shows that sovereignty and energy efficiency can go hand-in-hand.
These models illustrate an important trend: digital infrastructure governance is shifting from the promotion of investment to sustainability, competition regulation and strategic autonomy.
India’s Emerging Governance Challenge
India’s current trajectory and global geopolitical tensions suggest that pressures regarding sustainability and sovereignty are set to intensify over the next decade.
AI infrastructure is resource-intensive by design. For example, a single modern AI server rack can consume up to 250 kilowatts (kW) of power, compared to a traditional enterprise server rack which typically requires only 15 kW. Despite the use of water use effectiveness (WUE) technologies, the sheer volume of heat transfer means that AI data centres can still put immense pressure on local water resources, especially in warmer climates. These figures juxtaposed against hyperscale clusters mean the volumes of electricity, cooling systems, land, water, and high-density compute rise by significant orders of magnitude. Yet most Indian policies remain overwhelmingly focused on fiscal incentives rather than long-term resource governance.
This creates the risk of a reactive policy cycle in which sustainability standards are introduced only after resource pressures become acute. Urban concentration, grid stress, water scarcity, and energy reliability may eventually force abrupt regulatory interventions which can lead to higher compliance costs and uncertainty in operations.
At the same time, India’s push for sovereign AI infrastructure also raises broader questions around digital sovereignty and institutional capacity. Procuring GPUs alone does not create an AI ecosystem. Secure hosting environments, skilled infrastructure personnel, cybersecurity preparedness, and interoperable governance mechanisms are equally essential.
This makes workforce development a strategic human resource development issue rather than simply an industrial challenge. Without sufficient thermal engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and digital infrastructure specialists, India’s infrastructure ambitions may struggle to translate into long-term resilience.
Building Governance into the Expansion Phase
India’s current “pre-regulatory” moment also presents a significant opportunity. Because the sector is still evolving, both policymakers and infrastructure actors have the ability to shape governance standards before constraints become restrictive.
It is vital to establishing national sustainability benchmarks through public-private technical partnerships, possibly under the aegis of of NITI Aayog, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and MeitY, before the next resource pressures dictate reactive regulation. Pilot “sustainability sandboxes” focused on liquid immersion cooling, renewable integration, battery energy storage systems, and water-efficient operations could help create evidence-based policy frameworks tailored to Indian conditions. Similarly, Likewise, collaborations with skilling institutions like NSDC and NIELIT can contribute to the development of dedicated digital infrastructure academies for thermal engineering, cybersecurity, and AI infrastructure management.
This would support India to progress towards a sovereign AI infrastructure stack, bringing together compute capacity, sustainability, capacity building and governance resilience into a seamless ecosystem.
Conclusion
With AI systems become increasingly utilised in finance, healthcare, governance, and public services, the infrastructure ecosystem supporting them will become equally politically and strategically significant. The choices India makes today to operationalise sustainability, skilling, competition, and sovereign compute capacity will shape the foundations of its future AI economy.
The central challenge is no longer whether India can become a major AI infrastructure hub. It is whether the country can transition from an incentive-led expansion model toward a governance framework that balances scale with sustainability, sovereignty, democratic accountability, and long-term resilience.
That transition may ultimately define the success of India’s AI century.
References
https://indiaai.gov.in/news/cabinet-approves-india-ai-mission-at-an-outlay-of-rs-10-372-crore
https://www.midcindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IT-ITES_Policy_2015.pdf
https://uplc.up.gov.in/en/page/uttar-pradesh-data-center-policy
India’s cities are rapidly embracing digital technologies, transforming the way essential urban services operate. From traffic management and water supply to online grievance redressal, connected systems are making city life more efficient. As the Prime Minister has emphasised, smart cities are not just a fancy concept; they aim to ensure basic services, including housing and infrastructure for the urban poor, are delivered comprehensively and equitably.
But improved cybersecurity has become essential with th increasing reliance on digital systems in daily life. A single breach in digital public systems could jeopardise citizen data and interrupt vital services. In light of this, MoHUA organised the National Conference on Making Cities Cyber Secure in collaboration with MHA and MeitY. This is in spirit with the goal of Digital India, which is to create a safer online environment for all. More than 300 representatives from Central Ministries, National Cybersecurity Agencies, State Governments, State IT and Urban Development Secretaries, Additional Director Generals, Municipal Commissioners, CEOs of Smart Cities, and representatives from organisations like CERT-In, NCIIPC, I4C, and STQC attended the conference.
Key Initiatives Presented
MoHUA showcased a series of city-level cybersecurity initiatives designed to create a common framework for all smart cities. These include:
- Mandatory appointment of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) at city level which maintain and oversee the security of digital infrastructure in smart cites
- Completion of regular cybersecurity audits to identify and address vulnerabilities in there seem
- Consistent Risk Management Across Services: A structured approach to risk management will be used so that critical areas like traffic systems, utilities and public services all follow the same high standards of protection.
CISOs and Cybersecurity Frameworks
At the conference, the Union Home Secretary underscored a clear message: every city needs its own Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) backed by a capable technical team. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. A dedicated CISO brings focus to meeting national security norms, coordinating quick responses to cyber incidents, and lifting the overall level of cyber hygiene in the city.
Naming a single officer also creates accountability and gradually builds local expertise instead of constant dependence on outside consultants. Over time, this leadership position can help cities develop their own in-house capacity to manage the increasingly complex digital systems that keep public services running.
The SPV Dimension: Beyond Implementation
An important theme of the conference was the future of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)(SPVs means government-backed companies set up under the Companies Act, 2013 with joint shareholding between State/UT administrations and Urban Local Bodies to implement the Smart Cities Mission) which have been the implementing arms of the Smart Cities Mission. Drawing from Advisory No. 27 (June 2025), stakeholders discussed repositioning SPVs as dynamic, innovation-driven bodies capable of supporting long-term urban development beyond the initial project phase.
Key points included:
- Expanding SPVs’ role in consultancy, investment facilitation, technology integration, and policy research.
- Ensuring SPVs act as hubs of expertise and innovation, rather than just project managers.
- Aligning SPV functions with the evolving cybersecurity and technology needs of urban local bodies.
This expanded mandate could allow SPVs to become sustainable institutions that continuously support cities in managing digital risks and adopting new technologies responsibly.
Building a Culture of Cyber Preparedness
One clear takeaway from the conference was that cybersecurity can’t just be added on later — it needs to be part of every step in the digital planning process, from purchasing technology and designing systems to daily operations. Experts from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) pointed out that as more government services go online, the potential risks grow, and cities must always be ready to respond. They highlighted emerging cyber risks linked to the rapid digitisation of governance.
Some of the practical steps highlighted included regular security audits, penetration testing, staff training, and campaigns to raise awareness among citizens. Equally important to have CISO which lead cybersecurity and creating strong communication channels between city teams, state agencies, and national cybersecurity bodies, so that information is shared promptly and responses can be coordinated effectively
Conclusion
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive on strengthening cybersecurity in smart cities represents a major milestone in safeguarding India’s urban digital infrastructure and shows the government's proactive step in cybersecurity . By mandating the appointment of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), enforcing regular audits, and promoting structured risk management, the MHA has set clear expectations for city administration. The conference also highlighted the evolving role of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in supporting long-term technological resilience. Embedding cybersecurity at every stage of planning, from system design to daily operations, signals a shift toward a culture of proactive defence. As highlighted by the Intelligence Bureau, emerging cyber risks linked to the rapid digitisation of governance make robust cybersecurity measures the need of the hour for India’s smart cities.
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146180
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2135474
- https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/pm-narendra-modi-launches-smart-city-projects/articleshow/52916581.cms
- https://the420.in/mha-orders-stronger-cybersecurity-in-smart-cities/
- https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Sep/20/tighten-cyber-security-measures-in-smart-cities-mha-to-housing-ministry
Introduction
An age of unprecedented problems has been brought about by the constantly changing technological world, and misuse of deepfake technology has become a reason for concern which has also been discussed by the Indian Judiciary. Supreme Court has expressed concerns about the consequences of this quickly developing technology, citing a variety of issues from security hazards to privacy violations to the spread of disinformation. In general, misuse of deepfake technology is particularly dangerous since it may fool even the sharpest eye because they are almost identical to the actual thing.
SC judge expressed Concerns: A Complex Issue
During a recent speech, Supreme Court Justice Hima Kohli emphasized the various issues that deepfakes present. She conveyed grave concerns about the possibility of invasions of privacy, the dissemination of false information, and the emergence of security threats. The ability of deepfakes to be created so convincingly that they seem to come from reliable sources is especially concerning as it increases the potential harm that may be done by misleading information.
Gender-Based Harassment Enhanced
In this internet era, there is a concerning chance that harassment based on gender will become more severe, as Justice Kohli noted. She pointed out that internet platforms may develop into epicentres for the quick spread of false information by anonymous offenders who act worrisomely and freely. The fact that virtual harassment is invisible may make it difficult to lessen the negative effects of toxic online postings. In response, It is advocated that we can develop a comprehensive policy framework that modifies current legal frameworks—such as laws prohibiting sexual harassment online —to adequately handle the issues brought on by technology breakthroughs.
Judicial Stance on Regulating Deepfake Content
In a different move, the Delhi High Court voiced concerns about the misuse of deepfake and exercised judicial intervention to limit the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfake content. The intricacy of the matter was highlighted by a division bench. The bench proposed that the government, with its wider outlook, could be more qualified to handle the situation and come up with a fair resolution. This position highlights the necessity for an all-encompassing strategy by reflecting the court's acknowledgement of the technology's global and borderless character.
PIL on Deepfake
In light of these worries, an Advocate from Delhi has taken it upon himself to address the unchecked use of AI, with a particular emphasis on deepfake material. In the event that regulatory measures are not taken, his Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which is filed at the Delhi High Court, emphasises the necessity of either strict limits on AI or an outright prohibition. The necessity to discern between real and fake information is at the center of this case. Advocate suggests using distinguishable indicators, such as watermarks, to identify AI-generated work, reiterating the demand for openness and responsibility in the digital sphere.
The Way Ahead:
Finding a Balance
- The authorities must strike a careful balance between protecting privacy, promoting innovation, and safeguarding individual rights as they negotiate the complex world of deepfakes. The Delhi High Court's cautious stance and Justice Kohli's concerns highlight the necessity for a nuanced response that takes into account the complexity of deepfake technology.
- Because of the increased complexity with which the information may be manipulated in this digital era, the court plays a critical role in preserving the integrity of the truth and shielding people from the possible dangers of misleading technology. The legal actions will surely influence how the Indian judiciary and legislature respond to deepfakes and establish guidelines for the regulation of AI in the nation. The legal environment needs to change as technology does in order to allow innovation and accountability to live together.
Collaborative Frameworks:
- Misuse of deepfake technology poses an international problem that cuts beyond national boundaries. International collaborative frameworks might make it easier to share technical innovations, legal insights, and best practices. A coordinated response to this digital threat may be ensured by starting a worldwide conversation on deepfake regulation.
Legislative Flexibility:
- Given the speed at which technology is advancing, the legislative system must continue to adapt. It will be required to introduce new legislation expressly addressing developing technology and to regularly evaluate and update current laws. This guarantees that the judicial system can adapt to the changing difficulties brought forth by the misuse of deepfakes.
AI Development Ethics:
- Promoting moral behaviour in AI development is crucial. Tech businesses should abide by moral or ethical standards that place a premium on user privacy, responsibility, and openness. As a preventive strategy, ethical AI practices can lessen the possibility that AI technology will be misused for malevolent purposes.
Government-Industry Cooperation:
- It is essential that the public and commercial sectors work closely together. Governments and IT corporations should collaborate to develop and implement legislation. A thorough and equitable approach to the regulation of deepfakes may be ensured by establishing regulatory organizations with representation from both sectors.
Conclusion
A comprehensive strategy integrating technical, legal, and social interventions is necessary to navigate the path ahead. Governments, IT corporations, the courts, and the general public must all actively participate in the collective effort to combat the misuse of deepfakes, which goes beyond only legal measures. We can create a future where the digital ecosystem is safe and inventive by encouraging a shared commitment to tackling the issues raised by deepfakes. The Government is on its way to come up with dedicated legislation to tackle the issue of deepfakes. Followed by the recently issued government advisory on misinformation and deepfake.
