#FactCheck - Stunning 'Mount Kailash' Video Exposed as AI-Generated Illusion!

Amid reports that the death toll in Iran’s ongoing protests has risen to 2,571, a video has been widely circulated on social media showing a man slapping a person dressed in clerical attire after an argument. Users sharing the clip claim that public anger in Iran has escalated to the point where people are now physically attacking religious clerics. However, research by the Cyber Peace Foundation has found this claim to be misleading. The research  established that the video is not recent and has no connection to the current protests in Iran. In fact, the clip dates back to 2021 and was entirely scripted.

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Claim

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On January 14, 2026, users on X (formerly Twitter) shared the viral video with captions suggesting that Iranian citizens are openly assaulting clerics amid the ongoing unrest. One such post stated that the situation in Iran had deteriorated so badly that people were now beating religious leaders.

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The link, archived version, and screenshot of the post are available below:

• https://x.com/brijeshchaodhry/status/2011316139423605203 
• https://archive.ph/yclOD 

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Factcheck:

To verify the authenticity of the claim, the Cyber Peace Foundation extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a Google reverse image search. This led investigators to a report published on April 19, 2021, on the Persian-language website of Deutsche Welle (DW). The visuals matched the viral clip exactly, confirming that the footage is nearly five years old, not recent. Here is the link to the original video, along with a screenshot:

• https://www.dw.com/fa-ir/%D9%82%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D9%88-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%B9%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%84-%D9%BE%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B3%D8%AA%DA%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%DA%A9%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%BE-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-%DB%8C%DA%A9-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C/a-57249985

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Further examination of reports by Fars News Agency revealed that Tehran police had conducted a detailed probe into the video at the time and declared it fake and pre-scripted. According to Tehran Police Chief Hossein Rahimi, the individual seen wearing religious attire was not a cleric. Here is the link to the original video, along with a screenshot: He was actually employed at a carpet cleaning shop in Tehran, while the man seen slapping him was his own son.

Police stated that the video was deliberately staged and circulated to provoke public sentiment and create unrest by falsely linking it to religious tensions. Both the father and son were arrested, and images of them in police custody were published in contemporaneous reports. Additional confirmation was found on the Independent Persian website, which had also reported on the incident on April 19, 2021, reiterating that the video was fabricated and unrelated to any protest movement. Here is the link to the original video, along with a screenshot:

•  https://www.independentpersian.com/node/139891/%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D9%88-%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B9%DB%8C/%D9%BE%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D9%85%DB%8C%E2%80%8C%DA%AF%D9%88%DB%8C%D8%AF%E2%80%8C-%D9%81%DB%8C%D9%84%D9%85-%C2%AB%D8%B3%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%86-%D8%A2%D8%AE%D9%88%D9%86%D8%AF%C2%BB-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%AA%DA%AF%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AF-%D9%88-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%AF%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84

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Conclusion

The claim that the viral video shows an Iranian protester slapping a cleric during the current wave of protests is false. The video is from 2021, was scripted, and has no link to the ongoing demonstrations in Iran. It is being reshared with a misleading narrative to spread disinformation and inflame public sentiment.c

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Introduction

Autonomous transportation, smart cities, remote medical care, and immersive augmented reality are just a few of the revolutionary applications made possible by the global rollout of 5G technology. However, along with this revolution in connectivity, a record-breaking rise in vulnerabilities and threats has emerged, driven by software-defined networks, growing attack surfaces, and increasingly complex networks. As work on next-generation 6G networks accelerates, with commercialisation starting in 2030, security issues are piling up, including those related to AI-driven networks, terahertz communications, and quantum computing attacks. For a nation like India, poised to become a global technological leader, next-generation network procurement is not merely a technical necessity but a strategic imperative. Initiatives such as India-UK collaboration on telecom security in recent years say a lot about how international alliances are the order of the day to address these challenges.

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Why Cybersecurity in 5G and 6G Networks is Crucial

With the launch of global 5G services and the rapid introduction of 6G technologies, the telecom sector is seeing a fundamental transformation. Besides expanding connectivity, future networks are also creating the building blocks for networked and highly intelligent environments. With its ultra-high speed of 10 Gbps, network slicing, and ultra-low latency, 5G provides new capabilities that are perfectly suited for mission-critical applications such as telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, and industrial IoT. Sixth-generation wireless technology is still in development, and it will be approximately one hundred times faster than fifth-generation. Here are a few drawbacks and challenges:

• Decentralised Infrastructure (edge computing nodes): Increased number of entry points for attack.
• Virtual Network Functions (VNFs): Greater vulnerability to configuration issues and software exploitation.
• Billions of IoT devices with different security states, thus forming networks that are more difficult to secure.

Although these challenges are unparalleled, the advancement in technology also creates new opportunities.

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Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape for 5G and 6G

The move to 5G and the upgrade to 6G open great opportunities, but also open doors for new cybersecurity risks. Open RAN usage offers flexibility and vendor selection but exposes the supply chain to untested third-party components and attacks. SBA security vulnerabilities can be exploited to disrupt vital network services, resulting in outages or data breaches. Similarly, widespread adoption of edge computing to reduce latency creates multiple entry points for an attacker to target. Compounding the problem is the explosion of IoT device connections through 5G, which, if breached, can fuel massive botnets capable of conducting massive distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

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Challenges in 6G

• AI-Powered Cyberattacks: AI-native 6G networks are susceptible to adversarial machine learning attacks, data model poisoning, both for security and for traffic optimisation.
• Quantum Threats: Post-quantum cryptography may be required if quantum computing renders current encryption algorithms outdated.
• Privacy Concerns with Digital Twins: 6G may result in creating enormous privacy and data protection issues in addition to offering real-time virtual replicas of the physical world.
• Cross-Border Data Flow Risks: Secure interoperability frameworks and standardised data sovereignty are essential for the worldwide rollout of 6G.

A Critical Step Toward Secure Telecom: The India-UK Partnership

India's recent foray with the UK reflects its active role in shaping the future of telecom security. Major points of the UK-India Telecom Roundtable are:

• MoU between SONIC Labs and C-DOT: Dedicated to Open RAN and AI integration security in 4G/5G deployments. This will offer supply chain diversity without sacrificing resilience.
• Research Partnerships for 6G: Partnerships with UK institutions like CHEDDAR (Cloud & Distributed Computing Hub) and the University of Glasgow 6G Research Centre are focused on developing AI-driven network security solutions, green 6G, and quantum-resistant design.
• Telecom Cybersecurity Centres of Excellence: Constructing two-way CoEs for telecom cybersecurity, ethical AI, and digital twin security models.
• Standardisation Efforts: Joint contribution to ITU for the creation of IMT-2030 standards, in a way that cybersecurity-by-design principles are integrated into worldwide 6G specifications.
• Future Initiatives:

1. Application of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) for cross-sectoral data usage.
2. Secure quantum communications to be used for satellite and submarine cable connections.
3. Encouragement of native telecommunication stacks for strategic independence.

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Global Policy and Regulatory Aspects

• India's Bharat 6G Vision: India will lead the global standardisation process in the Bharat 6G Alliance with a vision of inclusive, secure, and sustainable connectivity.
• International Harmonisation:

• 3GPP and ITU's joint effort towards standardisation of 6G security.
• Cross-border privacy and cybersecurity compliance system designs to enable secure flows of data.

• Cyber Diplomacy for Telecom Security: Cross-border sharing of information architectures, threat intelligence sharing, and coordinated incident response schemes are essential to 6G security resilience globally.

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Building a Secure and Resilient Future for 5G and 6G

Establishing a safe and future-proof 5G and 6G environment should be an end-to-end effort involving governments, industry, and technology vendors. Security should be integrated into the underlying architecture of the networks and not an afterthought feature to be optionally provided. Active engagement in international bodies to establish homogeneous security and privacy standards across geographies is also required. Public-private partnerships, including academia partnerships, will be the driver for innovation and the creation of advanced protection mechanisms. Simultaneously, creating a competent talent pool to manage AI-based threat analysis, quantum-resistant cryptography, and next-generation cryptographic methods will be required to combat the advanced menace of new telecom technologies.

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Conclusion

Given 6G on the way and 5G technologies already changing global connections, cybersecurity needs to continue to be a key focus. The partnership between India and the UK serves as an example of why the safe rise of tomorrow's networks depends on global collaboration, AI-driven security measures, plus quantum preparedness. The world can unleash the potential for transformation of 5G and 6G through combining security by design, supporting international standards, and encouraging innovation via cooperation. This will result in an online future that is not only quick and egalitarian but also solid and trustworthy.

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References:

• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105225
• https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/imt-2030/pages/default.aspx
• https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Bharat%206G%20Vision%20Statement%20-%20full.pdf
• https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/security/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FS.40-v3.0-002-19-July.pdf

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The Equitable Growth Approach of AI and Digital Twins

Digital Twins can be simply described as virtual replicas of physical assets or systems, powered by real-time data and advanced simulations. When this technology is combined with AI, the impact it has on enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, optimised operations, and improved design processes through the creation of virtual replicas of physical assets becomes even greater.  The greatest value of AI is its ability to make data actionable. And when combined with digital twins, these data can be collated, analysed, inefficiencies removed, and better decisions can be taken to improve efficiency and quality. 

This intersection between AI and Digital Twins holds immense potential for addressing key challenges, particularly in countries like India, which is rapidly embracing digital adoption to achieve its economic ambitions and sustainability goals. According to Salesforce’s most recent survey on generative AI use among the general population within the U.S., UK, Australia and India, 75% of generative AI users are looking to automate repetitive tasks and use generative AI for work communications. India is particularly looking towards a rapid digital adoption, economic ambitions, and sustainable developments to be achieved through AI adoption. This blog discuss the intersection of equitable growth, sustainability, and AI-driven policies in India.

Sustainability and the Path Ahead: Digital Twin and AI-Driven Solutions 

India faces sustainability challenges which are mainly associated with issues such as urban congestion, the rising demand for energy along with climate change and environmental degradation. AI and Digital Twins provide solutions for real-time simulations and predictive analysis. Some of the examples are its applications in sustainable urban planning such as smart cities like the Indore Smart City Initiative and traffic optimisation, energy efficiency/optimisation through AI-driven renewable energy projects and power grid optimisation and even water resource management through leak detection, equitable distribution and conservation.

The need is to balance innovation with regulation, particularly, underscoring the importance of ethical and sustainable deployment of AI and digital twins and addressing data privacy with AI ethics with recent developments such as the India’s evolving AI policy landscape, including the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and its focus on AI for All, regulatory frameworks such as  DPDP Act and the manner in which they address AI ethics, data privacy, and digital governance.

The need is to initiate targeted policies that promote research and development in AI and digital twin technologies, skill development and partnerships with the private sector, think tanks, nonprofits and others. Also, collaborations at the global level would include aligning our domestic policies with global AI and sustainability initiatives and leveraging the international frameworks for climate tech and smart infrastructure. 

Cyberpeace Outlook

As part of specific actions, policymakers need to engage in proactive governance to ensure the responsible use and development of AI. This includes enacting incentive schemes for sustainable AI projects and strengthening the enforcement of data privacy laws. Industry leaders must support equitable access to AI and digital twin technologies and develop tailored AI tools for resource-constrained settings, particularly in India. Finally, researchers need to drive innovation in alignment with sustainability goals, such as those related to agriculture and groundwater management.

References

• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/technologies-like-ai-and-digital-twins-can-tackle-challenges-like-equitable-growth-to-sustainability-wef/articleshow/117121897.cms 
• https://www.salesforce.com/news/stories/generative-ai-statistics/
• https://www.mdpi.com/2673-2688/4/3/38 ‍
• https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/generative-ai-for-digital-twin-energy-utilities