Indian Vice President Dhankhar Calls for Regulation of Information to Combat Fake News
Introduction
As our reliance on digital communication technologies increases, so do the risks associated with the same. The propagation of false information is a significant concern. According to the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risk Report, India ranks the highest for misinformation and disinformation risk. Indian Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the digital information age, addressing Indian Information Service officer trainees at the Vice President's Enclave on 18th June 2024. He has highlighted the issue of widespread misinformation and the need to regulate it. He stated “Information is power, information is too dangerous a power, information is that power which has to be regulated’’.
VC calls for regulation of the Information Landscape
The Vice President of India, Shri Dhankhar, has called on young Indian Information Service officers to act swiftly to neutralize misinformation on social media. He emphasized the importance of protecting individuals and institutions from fake narratives set afloat on social media. The VP called for the officers to act as information warriors, protecting the privacy and reputation of affected individuals or institutions.
The VP also highlighted India's vibrant democracy and the need for trust in the government. He called for the neutralization of motivated narratives set by global media and stressed the importance of not allowing others to calibrate them. He also emphasized the need to promote India's development narrative globally, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and diversity. He has expressed the need to regulate information, saying “Unregulated information & fake news can create a disaster of un-imaginable proportion.”
MeitY Advisory dated 1st March 2024
As regards to the issue of misinformation, the recently-issued advisory by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), specifies that all users should be well informed about the consequences of dealing with unlawful information on online platforms, including disabling access, removing non-compliant information, suspension or termination of access or usage rights of the user to their user account and imposing punishment under applicable law. The advisory entails that users are clearly informed, through terms of services and user agreements, about the consequences of engaging with unlawful information on the platform. Measures to combat deepfakes or misinformation have also been discussed in the advisory. The advisory necessitates identifying synthetically-created content across various formats, and advising platforms to employ labels, unique identifiers, or metadata to ensure transparency. Furthermore, the advisory mandates the disclosure of software details and tracing the first originator of such synthetically created content.
Conclusion
The battle against the growing incidences of misinformation and disinformation will not be easily won: developing a robust regulatory framework to counter online misinformation is essential. Alongside the regulatory framework, the government should encourage digital literacy campaigns, promote prebunking and debunking strategies and collaborate with relevant organisations such as cybersecurity experts, fact-checking entities, researchers, and policy analysts to combat misinformation on the Internet. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's statement scores the need to regulate information to prevent the spread of fake news or misinformation.
References:
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2026304
- https://regmedia.co.uk/2024/03/04/meity_ai_advisory_1_march.pdf
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Introduction
In recent years, the city of Hyderabad/Cyberabad has emerged as a technology hub, a place with the strong presence of multi corporations, Startups, and research institutions, Hyderabad has become a hub of innovations and technological advancement. However, this growing land of cyber opportunities has also become a hub for cybercriminals as well. In this blog post, we shall explore the reasons why professionals are being targeted and the effects of cyber fraud on techies. Through this investigation, we hope to raise awareness about the seriousness of the problem as well as give vital insights and techniques for Cyberabad’s computer workers to defend themselves against cyber theft. We can work together to make Cyberabad’s technology ecosystem safer and more secure.
Defining Cyber Fraud
In today’s age, where everything has an interconnected digital world, cyber fraud cases are increasing daily. Cyber fraud encompasses a wide range of threats and techniques employed by bad actors, such as Phishing, Ransomware, identity theft, online scams, data breaches, and fake websites designed for users. The sophistication of cyber fraud techniques is constantly evolving, making it challenging for individuals and organisations to stay ahead. Cybercriminals use software vulnerabilities, social engineering tactics, and flaws in cybersecurity defences to carry out their harmful operations. Individuals and organisations must grasp these dangers and tactics to protect themselves against cyber fraud.
Impact of Cyber Frauds
The consequences of Falling victim to cyber fraud can be devastating, both personally and professionally. The emotional and financial toll on individuals may be a challenge. Identity theft may lead to damaged credit scores, fraudulent transactions, and years of recovery work to rehabilitate one’s image. Financial fraud can result in depleted bank accounts, unauthorised charges, and substantial monetary losses. Furthermore, being tricked and violated in the digital environment can generate anxiety, tension, and a lack of confidence.
The impact of cyber fraud goes beyond immediate financial losses and can have long-term consequences for individuals’ and organisations’ entire well-being and stability. As the threat environment evolves, it is critical for people and organisations to recognise the gravity of these repercussions and take proactive actions to protect themselves against cyber theft.
Why are Cyberabad Tech Professionals Targeted?
Tech professionals in Cyberabad are particularly vulnerable to cyber due to various factors. Firstly, their expertise and knowledge in technology make them attractive targets for cybercrooks. These professionals possess valuable coding, Software, and administration skills, making them attractive to cybercriminals.
Secondly, the nature of work often involves enormous use of technology, including regular internet contacts, email exchanges, and access to private information. This expanded digital presence exposes them to possible cyber dangers and makes them more vulnerable to fraudsters’ social engineering efforts. Furthermore, the fast-moving nature of the tech industry, with many deadlines and work pressure to deliver, can create a distraction. This can let them click on some malicious links or share sensitive information unknowingly all these factors let the cyber criminals exploit vulnerabilities.
Unveiling the Statistics
According to various reports, 80% of cyber fraud victims in Hyderabad are techies; the rest are the public targeted by cyber crooks. This surprising number emphasises the critical need to address the vulnerabilities and threats this specific segment within the IT community faces.
Going further into the data, we can acquire insights into the many forms of cyber fraud targeting tech workers, the strategies used by cybercriminals, and the impact these occurrences have on individuals and organisations. Examining precise features and patterns within data might give important information for developing successful preventative and protection methods.
Factors Contributing
Several reasons contribute to the elevated risk of cyber fraud among ICT professionals in Cyberabad. Understanding these aspects helps explain why this group is specifically targeted and may be more vulnerable to such assaults.
Technical Expertise: Tech workers frequently have specialised technical knowledge, but this knowledge may only sometimes extend to cybersecurity. Their primary concentration is writing software, designing systems, or implementing technologies, which may result in missing possible vulnerabilities or a lack of overall cybersecurity understanding.
Confidence in Technology: IT workers have a higher level of confidence in technology because of their knowledge and dependence on technology. This trust can sometimes make individuals more vulnerable to sophisticated frauds or social engineering approaches that prey on their faith in the services they utilise.
Time Constraints and Pressure: Tech workers frequently operate under tight deadlines and tremendous pressure to reach project milestones. This may result in hurried decision-making or disregarding possible warning signals of cyber fraud, rendering them more exposed to assaults that prey on time-sensitive circumstances.
Cybercriminals know that technology workers have valuable knowledge, trade secrets, and intellectual property that may be economically profitable. As a result, they are attractive targets for attacks aiming at stealing sensitive data or gaining unauthorised access to critical systems.
The best practices that cyber techies can apply to safeguard their personal and professional data by following these simple tips:
Strong Passwords: create a strong password, using passwords for all your online accounts and changing them regularly. Remember to use unique combinations!
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication): Enable MFA wherever possible. This provides an extra degree of protection by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code texted to your mobile device and your password.
Use Secured WiFi: Use secure and encrypted Wi-Fi networks, especially while viewing sensitive information. Avoid connecting to public or unprotected networks, as they can be readily exploited. Recognising Red Flags and Staying Ahead
Social Engineering: Be sceptical of unwanted solicitations or offers, both online and offline. Cybercriminals may try to persuade or fool you using social engineering tactics. Before revealing any personal or private information, think critically and confirm the veracity of the request.
Secure Web Browsing: Only browse trustworthy websites with valid SSL certificates (look for “https://” in the URL). Avoid clicking on strange links or downloading files from unknown sources since they may contain malware or ransomware.
Report Suspicious actions: If you encounter any suspicious or fraudulent actions, report them to the relevant authorities, such as the Cyber Crime Police or your organisation’s IT department. Reporting events can assist in avoiding additional harm and aid in identifying and apprehending hackers.
Stay Current on Security Practises: Stay up to speed on the newest cybersecurity risks and best practices. Follow credible sources, participate in cybersecurity forums or seminars, and remain current on new threats and preventative measures.
Conclusion
The rise in cybercrimes and fraud cases among tech experts in Cyberabad is a disturbing trend that requires prompt intervention. We can establish a safer tech cluster that lives on creativity, trust, and resilience by adopting proactive actions, raising awareness, and encouraging cooperation. Let us work together to prevent cybercrime and ensure the future of Cyberabad’s IT ecosystem.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media and linked to protests that allegedly took place in Lucknow after the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.Users claim that police in the capital of Uttar Pradesh baton-charged people who were protesting against the United States and Israel. The video is being widely circulated across social media platforms with this claim. However, research by CyberPeace found the claim to be false. Our verification revealed that the video is not from Lucknow but from Bareilly, and it is related to an incident that took place on September 26, 2025, when Uttar Pradesh Police baton-charged protesters during a rally held in support of the “I Love Mohammad” campaign.
Claim Post:
On March 3, 2026, an X (formerly Twitter) user shared the viral video claiming that the Uttar Pradesh Police took action against people blocking roads in Lucknow and creating unrest in support of Ali Khamenei.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted key frames from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the search, we found a similar video posted on Instagram on September 26, 2025, indicating that the footage predates the current claim.
Further research led us to the same video on the website of Aaj Tak, where it was published on September 26, 2025.
According to the report, protests erupted in Bareilly after Friday prayers over a controversy related to “I Love Mohammad” posters. Hundreds of people took to the streets carrying banners and posters. The report further stated that protesters, responding to a call by cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza, attempted to break police barricades and move forward. Police initially tried to persuade the crowd to disperse, but when the situation escalated and the crowd refused to back down, officers resorted to baton-charging to control the situation. The incident reportedly led to tension in the area.
Conclusion:
Our research found that the viral video being shared as police action on protesters in Lucknow after the alleged killing of Ali Khamenei is misleading. The footage is actually from Bareilly and shows a police baton-charge during a protest rally held on September 26, 2025 in support of the “I Love Mohammad” campaign.
Executive Summary:
Old footage of Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in September 2023 was being promoted as footage of Virat Kohli at the Ram Mandir Inauguration. A video of cricketer Virat Kohli attending a Ganesh Chaturthi celebration last year has surfaced, with the false claim that it shows him at the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22. The Hindi newspaper Dainik Bhaskar and Gujarati newspaper Divya Bhaskar also displayed the now-viral video in their respective editions on January 23, 2024, escalating the false claim. After thorough Investigation, it was found that the Video was old and it was Ganesh Chaturthi Festival where the cricketer attended.
Claims:
Many social media posts, including those from news outlets such as Dainik Bhaskar and Gujarati News Paper Divya Bhaskar, show him attending the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, where after investigation it was found that the Video was of Virat Kohli attending Ganesh Chaturthi in September, 2023.
The caption of Dainik Bhaskar E-Paper reads, “ क्रिकेटर विराट कोहली भी नजर आए ”
Fact Check:
CyberPeace Research Team did a reverse Image Search of the Video where several results with the Same Black outfit was shared earlier, from where a Bollywood Entertainment Instagram Profile named Bollywood Society shared the same Video in its Page, the caption reads, “Virat Kohli snapped for Ganapaati Darshan” the post was made on 20 September, 2023.
Taking an indication from this we did some keyword search with the Information we have, and it was found in an article by Free Press Journal, Summarizing the article we got to know that Virat Kohli paid a visit to the residence of Shiv Sena leader Rahul Kanal to seek the blessings of Lord Ganpati. The Viral Video and the claim made by the news outlet is false and Misleading.
Conclusion:
The recent Claim made by the Viral Videos and News Outlet is an Old Footage of Virat Kohli attending Ganesh Chaturthi the Video back to the year 2023 but not of the recent auspicious day of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha. To be noted that, we also confirmed that Virat Kohli hadn’t attended the Program; there was no confirmation that Virat Kohli attended on 22 January at Ayodhya. Hence, we found this claim to be fake.
- Claim: Virat Kohli attending the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22
- Claimed on: Youtube, X
- Fact Check: Fake
