#FactCheck – Debunked: Dhoni's Viral Picture Misinterpreted as Political Support
Executive Summary:
The picture that went viral with the false story that Dhoni was supporting the Congress party, actually shows his joy over Chennai Super Kings' victory in the achievement of 6 million followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) in 2020. Dhoni's gesture was misinterpreted by many, which resulted in the spread of false information. The Research team of CyberPeace did an in-depth investigation of the photo's roots and confirmed its authenticity through a reverse image search, highlighting how news outlets and CSK's official social media channels shared it. The case illustrates the value of fact verification and the role of real information in preventing the fake news epidemic.
Claims:
An image of former Indian Cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, showed him urging people to vote for the Congress party, wearing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey and showing his right palm visible and gesturing the number 'one' with his left index finger. In reality he is celebrating Chennai Super Kings' milestone achievement on X (formerly Twitter) in 2020. Many people are sharing the misinterpretation knowingly or unknowingly over social media platforms.
Fact Check:
After receiving the post, we ran a reverse image search of the image and found a news article published by NDTV. According to the news outlet, Dhoni and his teammates were celebrating CSK's milestone of reaching six million followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) in the photos.
In the image it is written as a tweet of @chennaiipl, to get an idea we dig into the official account of Chennai Super Kings on X (formerly known as Twitter). And Voila! we found the exact post which surfaced on the X (formerly known as Twitter) on 5th October 2020.
Additionally, we found a video posted on the X (formerly known as Twitter) handle of CSK, featuring other cricketers celebrating the Six Million Followers milestone for which they are thanking the audience for their support. Again, it was posted on Oct 05, 2020. The caption of the video is written as “Chennai Super #SixerOnTwitter! A big thanks to all the super fans for each and every bouquet and brickbat throughout the last decade. All the #yellove to you. #WhistlePodu”
Therefore it is easy to conclude that the viral image of MS Dhoni supporting Congress is wrong and misleading.
Conclusion:
The information that circulated online media regarding a picture of Mahendra Singh Dhoni supporting the Congress Party has been proven to be untrue. The actual photograph was of Dhoni congratulating the Chennai Super Kings for having six million followers on social media in the year 2020. This highlights the need for checking the facts of any news circulating online.
- Claim: A photo allegedly depicting former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni encouraging people to support the Congress party in elections surfaced online.
- Claimed on: X (Formerly known as Twitter)
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
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Introduction
Discussions took place focused on cybersecurity measures, specifically addressing cybercrime in the context of emerging technologies such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse. Session 5 of the conference focused on the interconnectedness between the darknet and cryptocurrency and the challenges it poses for law enforcement agencies and regulators. They discussed that Understanding AI is necessary for enterprises. AI models have difficulties, but we are looking forward to trustworthy AIs. and AI technology must be transparent.
Darknet and Cryptocurrency
The darknet refers to the hidden part of the internet where illicit activities have proliferated in recent years. It was initially developed to provide anonymity, privacy, and protection to specific individuals such as journalists, activists, and whistleblowers. However, it has now become a playground for criminal activities. Cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, has been widely adopted on the darknet due to its anonymous nature, enabling anti-money laundering and unlawful transactions.
Three major points emerge from this relationship: the integrated nature of the darknet and cryptocurrency, the need for regulations to prevent darknet-based crimes, and the importance of striking a balance between privacy and security.
Key Challenges:
- Integrated Relations: The darknet and cryptocurrency have evolved independently, with different motives and purposes. It is crucial to understand the integrated relationship between them and how criminals exploit this connection.
- Regulatory Frameworks: There is a need for effective regulations to prevent crimes facilitated through the darknet and cryptocurrency while striking a balance between privacy and security.
- Privacy and Security: Privacy is a fundamental right, and any measures taken to enhance security should not infringe upon individual privacy. A multistakeholder approach involving tech companies and regulators is necessary to find this delicate balance.
Challenges Associated with Cryptocurrency Use:
The use of cryptocurrency on the darknet poses several challenges. The risks associated with darknet-based cryptocurrency crimes are a significant concern. Additionally, regulatory challenges arise due to the decentralised and borderless nature of cryptocurrencies. Mitigating these challenges requires innovative approaches utilising emerging technologies.
Preventing Misuse of Technologies:
The discussion emphasised that we can step ahead of the people who wish to use these beautiful technologies meant and developed for a different purpose, to prevent from using them for crime.
Monitoring the Darknet:
The darknet, as explained, is an elusive part of the internet that necessitates the use of a special browser for access. Initially designed for secure communication by the US government, its purpose has drastically changed over time. The darknet’s evolution has given rise to significant challenges for law enforcement agencies striving to monitor its activities.
Around 95% of the activities carried out on the dark net are associated with criminal acts. Estimates suggest that over 50% of the global cybercrime revenue originates from the dark net. This implies that approximately half of all cybercrimes are facilitated through the darknet.
The exploitation of the darknet has raised concerns regarding the need for effective regulation. Monitoring the darknet is crucial for law enforcement, national agencies, and cybersecurity companies. The challenges associated with the darknet’s exploitation and the criminal activities facilitated by cryptocurrency emphasise the pressing need for regulations to ensure a secure digital landscape.
Use of Cryptocurrency on the Darknet
Cryptocurrency plays a central role in the activities taking place on the darknet. The discussion highlighted its involvement in various illicit practices, including ransomware attacks, terrorist financing, extortion, theft, and the operation of darknet marketplaces. These applications leverage cryptocurrency’s anonymous features to enable illegal transactions and maintain anonymity.
AI's Role in De-Anonymizing the Darknet and Monitoring Challenges:
- 1.AI’s Potential in De-Anonymizing the Darknet
During the discussion, it was highlighted how AI could be utilised to help in de-anonymizing the darknet. AI’s pattern recognition capabilities can aid in identifying and analysing patterns of behaviour within the darknet, enabling law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts to gain insights into its operations. However, there are limitations to what AI can accomplish in this context. AI cannot break encryption or directly associate patterns with specific users, but it can assist in identifying illegal marketplaces and facilitating their takedown. The dynamic nature of the darknet, with new marketplaces quickly emerging, adds further complexity to monitoring efforts.
- 2.Challenges in Darknet Monitoring
Monitoring the darknet poses various challenges due to its vast amount of data, anonymous and encrypted nature, dynamically evolving landscape, and the need for specialised access. These challenges make it difficult for law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity professionals to effectively track and prevent illicit activities.
- 3.Possible Ways Forward
To address the challenges, several potential avenues were discussed. Ethical considerations, striking a balance between privacy and security, must be taken into account. Cross-border collaboration, involving the development of relevant laws and policies, can enhance efforts to combat darknet-related crimes. Additionally, education and awareness initiatives, driven by collaboration among law enforcement, government entities, and academia, can play a crucial role in combating darknet activities.
The panel also addressed the questions from the audience
- How law enforcement agencies and regulators can use AI to detect and prevent crimes on the darknet and cryptocurrency? The panel answered that- Law enforcement officers should also be AI and technology ready, and that kind of upskilling program should be there in place.
- How should lawyers and the judiciary understand the problem and regulate it? The panel answered that AI should only be applied by looking at the outcomes. And Law has to be clear as to what is acceptable and what is not.
- Aligning AI with human intention? Whether it’s possible? Whether can we create an ethical AI instead of talking about using AI ethically? The panel answered that we have to understand how to behave ethically. AI can beat any human. We have to learn AI. Step one is to focus on our ethical behaviour. And step two is bringing the ethical aspect to the software and technologies. Aligning AI with human intention and creating ethical AI is a challenge. The focus should be on ethical behaviour both in humans and in the development of AI technologies.
Conclusion
The G20 Conference on Crime and Security shed light on the intertwined relationship between the darknet and cryptocurrency and the challenges it presents to cybersecurity. The discussions emphasised the need for effective regulations, privacy-security balance, AI integration, and cross-border collaboration to tackle the rising cybercrime activities associated with the darknet and cryptocurrency. Addressing these challenges will require the combined efforts of governments, law enforcement agencies, technology companies, and individuals committed to building a safer digital landscape.
Introduction:
With the rapid advancement in technologies, vehicles are also being transformed into moving data centre. There is an introduction of connectivity, driver assistance systems, advanced software systems, automated systems and other modern technologies are being deployed to make the experience of users more advanced and joyful. Software plays an important role in the overall functionality and convenience of the vehicle. For example, Advanced technologies like keyless entry and voice assistance, censor cameras and communication technologies are being incorporated into modern vehicles. Addressing the cyber security concerns in the vehicles the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed standard Cyber Security and Management Systems (CSMS) rules for specific categories of four-wheelers, including both passenger and commercial vehicles. The goal is to protect these vehicles and their functions against cyber-attacks or vulnerabilities. This move will aim to ensure standardized cybersecurity measures in the automotive industry. These proposed standards will put forth certain responsibilities on the vehicle manufacturers to implement suitable and proportional measures to secure dedicated environments and to take steps to ensure cyber security.
The New Mandate
The new set of standards requires automobile manufacturers to install a new cybersecurity management system, which will be inclusive of protection against several cyberattacks on the vehicle’s autonomous driving functions, electronic control unit, connected functions, and infotainment systems. The proposed automotive industry standards aim to fortify vehicles against cyberattacks. These standards, expected to be notified by early next month, will apply to all M and N category vehicles. This includes passenger vehicles, goods carriers, and even tractors if they possess even a single electronic control unit. The need for enhanced cybersecurity in the automotive sector is palpable. Modern vehicles, equipped with advanced technologies, are highly prone to cyberattacks. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has thus taken a precautionary measure to safeguard all new-age commercial and private vehicles against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
Cyber Security and Management Systems (CSMS)
The proposed standards by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) clarify that CSMS refers to a systematic risk-based strategy that defines organisational procedures, roles, and governance to manage and mitigate risks connected with cyber threats to vehicles, eventually safeguarding them from cyberattacks. According to the draft regulations, all manufacturers will be required to install a cyber security management system in their vehicles and provide the government with a certificate of compliance at the time of vehicle type certification.
Electrical vehicle charging system
Electric vehicle charging stations could also be susceptible and prone to cyber threats and vulnerabilities, which significantly requires to have in place standards to prevent them. It is highlighted that the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a designated authority to track and monitor cybersecurity incidents in India, had received reports of vulnerabilities in products and applications related to electric vehicle charging stations. Electric cars or vehicles becoming increasingly popular as the world shifts to green technology. EV owners may charge their cars at charging points in convenient spots. When you charge an EV at a charging station, data transfers between the car, the charging station, and the company that owns the device. This trail of data sharing and EV charging stations in many ways can be exploited by the bad actors. Some of the threats may include Malware, remote manipulation, and disturbing charging stations, social engineering attacks, compromised aftermarket devices etc.
Conclusion
Cyber security is necessary in view of the increased connectivity and use of software systems and other modern technologies in vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to adopt advanced technologies, it will become increasingly important that organizations take a proactive approach to ensure cybersecurity in the vehicles. A balanced approach between technology innovation and security measures will be instrumental in ensuring the cybersecurity aspect in the automotive industry. The recent proposed policy standard by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) can be seen as a commendable step to make the automotive industry cyber-resilient and safe for everyone.
References:
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/road-transport-ministry-proposes-uniform-cyber-security-system-for-four-wheelers/articleshow/105187952.cms
- https://www.financialexpress.com/business/express-mobility-cybersecurity-in-the-autonomous-vehicle-the-next-frontier-in-mobility-3234055/
- https://www.gktoday.in/morth-proposes-uniform-cyber-security-standards-for-four-wheelers/
- https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/security-essentials/the-top-8-cybersecurity-threats-facing-the-automotive-industry-heading-into-2023
Introduction
In the new age of technologies the internet and social media continue to witness a surge in deepfake videos a technological phenomenon that blurs the line between reality and fiction. The string of deepfake videos of Bollywood actors and other famous personalities has raised serious concerns. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke against the risks of artificial intelligence at the G20 Virtual Summit. The central government has recently announced that it will soon set up dedicated regulations to tackle this Menace. This will include holding social media platforms and creators responsible for their actions against the rules and regulations. Very often most people shy away from initiating a legal process or taking action while being victims of misuse of fast-paced tech but the government has announced its big support to the victims and promised to stand by complaints against deepfake videos especially this includes helping individuals to report the incidents and any violations by platforms.
Social media platforms to realign their policies as per the Indian laws
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced on 24th November 2023 that it will be giving social media platforms seven days time period to align their terms of service and other policies with Indian laws and regulations in order to address the issue of hosting of deepfakes on these platforms. All platforms must align and transform their terms of use with their users to be consistent with the 12 areas that are prohibited under rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021.
The platforms will ensure harmonization and alignment of their terms & policies so that every user on every platform is aware that when they use a platform the platform intends to be a safe and trusted platform and the platform will not tolerate these 12 types of content or information that have been prohibited under the IT Act and the IT rules. The government approach is to collectively advocate for responsible and safe use of the Internet. The government has taken a proactive step in partnership with these social media platforms to ensure an era where such platforms will be a lot more responsible and a lot more responsive to the expectations under the law and more compliant.
Officer to be appointed under rule 7
As Deepfake Videos continue to surface on social media, the Government has geared up to curb such content online. Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar Minister of State, (Meity), stated that the government will soon appoint an officer to take appropriate action against deepfake videos. This statement came after the government meeting with industry stakeholders and important players held on 24 Nov 2023. He added that Meity and the government of India will nominate an officer under rule 7 (IT rules 2021) and will ensure full compliance expectations from all the platforms. An officer appointed under Rule 7, will be entrusted with building a mechanism where users can put in their complaints regarding deepfakes and MeitY may also assist such aggrieved users with filing FIRs in such cases. Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State, (Meity) also added that we will also be creating a platform where it will be very easy for netizens to bring to the attention of the government of India and notices of allegations or reports of violation of law by the platforms and the rule 7 officer will take that digital platform information and respond accordingly.
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (updated as on 6.4.2023)
Rule 3(1)(b) states that intermediaries shall inform its rules and regulations, privacy policy and user agreement to the user and shall make reasonable efforts to ‘restrict’ the users from hosting, displaying, uploading, modifying, publishing, transmitting, store, update or sharing any information that is prohibited under this rule which also includes deepfake, misinformation, CSAM(Child sexual abusive material) etc. As per rule 3(2)(b) Intermediaries shall remove or disable access within 24 hours of receipt of complaints of contents that expose the private areas of individuals, show such individuals in full or partial nudity or in a sexual act or is in the nature of impersonation including morphed images etc.
Ongoing Efforts Ahead of Crucial Meeting with Tech Giants
Ahead of the government meeting with online platforms such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube on Friday, 24th November 2023, Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar Minister of State, (Meity) added that way back from October 2022 the government of India had been alerting them to the threat of misinformation and deepfakes which are part of misinformation. He further added that the current IT rules under the IT Act provide for adequate compliance requirements on their part to deal with deepfake.
Deepfake Misinformation
Misinformation powered by AI becoming an even more potent force to disrupt and to mislead and to create chaos and confusion at a scale and of a type that is deeply detrimental. Deepfakes in a very simple basic way is misinformation which is powered by or enhanced by AI. Video-based deepfake misinformation is more dangerous since it has a greater reach as video consumption today is the preferred choice by users on the internet.
Way forward
The Honorable Prime Minister has raised the issue that deep fakes are deeply disruptive they can create divisions and all kinds of disruptions in communities, in families and therefore misuse of deepfake technology is a very clear present danger to the safe and trusted internet.
The Government is on its way to draft a dedicated legislation dedicated to tackling deepfakes.
Even as we speak to a future regulation and a future law which is certainly required given that our IT Act is 23 years old. However current IT rules provide for compliance requirements by the platforms on misinformation patently false information and deepfakes. Followed by the recent government advisory on misinformation and deepfake.
Conclusion
Prime Minister alerting of the dangers of deepfakes online. The government is now in the process of starting to look very seriously into this issue and also issued guidelines for intermediaries and in a finite period of time it is hoped that the threat of deep fakes would actually no longer exist in in our system. The government made it clear that apart from people spreading deepfake videos, the platforms making them spread and not taking action will also be liable they are currently liable and will be even more so in future after new rules and regulations are brought in.
References:
- https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/deepfakes-meity-gives-social-media-platforms-7-day-ultimatum-to-align-their-policies-to-indian-laws-and-regulations-11805521.html
- https://www.azbpartners.com/bank/amendments-to-the-information-technology-intermediary-guidelines-and-digital-media-ethics-code-rules-2021/#:~:text=Prior%20to%20the%20amendment%2C%20under%20Rule%203(1)
- https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amendments-to-the-it-rules-2021
- https://youtu.be/zmI2ml1d_Es?feature=shared
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975445