#FactCheck - Viral Video Claiming to Show Kashmir Avalanche Is AI-Generated

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

Digital Arrests are a form of scam that involves the digital restraint of individuals. These restraints can vary from restricting access to the account(s), and digital platforms, to implementing measures to prevent further digital activities or being restrained on video calling or being monitored through video calling. Typically, these scams target vulnerable individuals who are unfamiliar with digital fraud tactics, making them more susceptible to manipulation. These scams often target the victims on allegations of drug trafficking, money laundering, falsified documents, etc. These are serious crimes and these scammers scare the victim into thinking that either their identities were used to commit these crimes or they have committed these crimes. Recently there has been an uptick in the digital fraud scams in India highlighting the growing concerns.

The Legality of Digital Arrests in India

There is no legal provision for law enforcement to conduct ‘arrests’ via video calls or online monitoring. If you receive such calls, it is a clear scam. In fact, recently enacted new criminal laws do not provide for any provision for law enforcement agencies conducting a digital arrest.  The law only provides for service of the summons and the proceedings in an electronic mode. 

The Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 provides for the summons to be served electronically under section 63. The section defines the form of summons. It states that every summons served electronically shall be encrypted and bear the image of the seal of the Court or digital signature. Further, according to section 532 of the BNSS, the trial and proceedings may be held in electronic mode, by use of electronic communication or by the use of audio-video electronic means. 

Modus Operandi

Under digital arrest scams, the scammer makes a connection via video calls (WhatsApp calls, skype, etc) with the victim over their alleged involvement in crimes (financial, drug trafficking, etc) in bogus charges. The victims are intimidated that the arrest will take place soon and till the time the arresting officers do not reach the victim they are to remain on the call and be under digital surveillance and not contact anyone during the ongoing investigation. 

During this period, the scammers start collecting information from the victim to confirm their identity and create an atmosphere in which multiple senior officials are on the victim’s case and they are investigating the case thoroughly. By this time, the victim, scared out of their wits, sits through this arrest and it is then that the scammers posing as law enforcement officials make comments that they can avoid arrest by paying a certain amount of the fines to the accounts that they specify.  This monitoring/ surveillance continues till the time the victim makes the transfers to the accounts provided by the scammers. These are the common manipulation tactics used by scammers in digital arrest fraud.

Recent Cyber Arrest Cases

• Recently a 35-year-old NBCC official was duped of Rs 55 lakh in a 'digital arrest' scam. Posing as customs officials, fraudsters claimed her details were linked to intercepted illegal items and a pending arrest. They kept her on video calls, convincing her to transfer Rs 55 lakh to avoid money laundering charges. After the transfer, the scammers vanished. A police investigation traced the funds to a fake company, leading to the arrest of suspects.
• Another recent case involved a neurologist who was duped Rs 2.81 crores in a ‘digital arrest’ scam. Fraudsters claimed her phone number and Aadhaar was linked to accounts transferring funds to an Individual. Under pressure, she was convinced to undergo “verification” and made multiple transactions over two days. The scammers threatened legal consequences for money laundering if she didn’t comply. Now a police investigation is ongoing, and her immense financial loss highlights the severity of this cybercrime.
• One another case took place where the victim was duped of Rs 7.67 crores in a prolonged ‘digital arrest’ scam over three months. Fraudsters posing as TRAI officials claimed complaints against her phone number and threatened to suspend it, alleging illegal use of another number linked to her Aadhaar. Pressured and manipulated through video calls, the victim was coerced into transferring large sums, even taking an Rs 80 lakh loan. The case is under investigation as authorities pursue the cybercriminals behind the massive fraud.

Best Practices

• Do not panic when you get any calls where sudden unexpected news is shared with you. Scammers thrive on the panic that they create.
• Do not share personal details such as Aadhaar number, PAN number etc with unknown or suspect entities. Be cautious of your personal and financial information such as credit card numbers, OTPs, or any other passwords with anyone.
• If individuals contact, claiming to be government officials, always verify their identities by contacting the entity through the proper channels. 
• Report and block any fraudulent communications that are received and mark them as Spam. This would further inform other users if they see the caller ID being marked as fraud or spam.
• If you have been defrauded then report about the same to the authorities so that action can be taken and authorities can arrest the fraudsters. 
• Do not transfer any money as part of ‘fines’ or ‘dues’ to the accounts that these calls or messages link to. 
• In case of any threat, issue or discrepancy, file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or helpline number 1930. You can also seek assistance from the CyberPeace helpline at +91 9570000066.

References: 

• https://www.cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/digital-arrest-fraud 
• https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/what-is-digital-house-arrest-find-out-how-to-avoid-this-new-scam-124052400799_1.html
• https://www.the420.in/ias-ips-officers-major-generals-doctors-and-professors-fall-victim-to-digital-arrest-losing-crores-stay-alert-read-5-real-cases-inside/
• https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/senior-nbcc-official-duped-in-case-of-digital-arrest-3-arrested-delhi-police-9588418/#:~:text=Of%20the%20duped%20amount%2C%20Rs,a%20Delhi%20police%20officer%20said (case study 1)
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/lucknow-sgpgims-professor-duped-of-rs-2-81-crore-in-digital-arrest-scam/articleshow/112521530.cms (case study 2)
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/bits-prof-duped-of-7-67cr-cops-want-cbi-probe-in-case/articleshow/109514200.cms (case study 3)

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Introduction

The rise in start-up culture, increasing investments, and technological breakthroughs are being encouraged alongside innovations and the incorporation of generative Artificial Intelligence elements. Witnessing the growing focus on human-centred AI, its potential to transform industries like education remains undeniable. Enhancing experiences and inculcating new ways of learning, there is much to be explored. Recently, a Delhi-based non-profit called Rocket Learning, in collaboration with Google.org, launched Appu- a personalised AI educational tool providing a multilingual and conversational learning experience for kids between 3 and 6.

AI Appu

Developed in 6 months, along with the help of dedicated Google.org fellows, interactive Appu has resonated with those the founders call “super-users,” i.e. parents and caregivers. Instead of redirecting students to standard content and instructional videos, it operates on the idea of conversational learning, one equally important for children in the targeted age bracket. Designed in the form of an elephant, Appu is supposed to be a personalised tutor, helping both children and parents understand concepts through dialogue. AI enables the generation of different explanations in case of doubt, aiding in understanding. If children were to answer in mixed languages instead of one complete sentence in a single language (eg, Hindi and English), the AI would still consider it as a response. The AI lessons are two minutes long and are inculcated with real-world examples. The emphasis on interactive and fun learning of concepts through innovation enhances the learning experience. Currently only available in Hindi, it is being worked on to include 20 other languages such as Punjabi and Marathi. 

UNESCO, AI, and Education

It is important to note that such innovations also find encouragement in UNESCO’s mandate as AI in education contributes to achieving the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (here; SDG 4- focusing on quality education). Within the ambit of the Beijing Consensus held in 2019, UNESCO encourages a human-centred approach to AI, and has also developed the “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Guidance for Policymakers” aiming towards understanding its potential and opportunities in education as well as the core competencies it needs to work on. Another publication was launched during one of the flagship events of UNESCO- (Digital Learning Week, 2024) - AI competency frameworks for both, students and teachers which provide a roadmap for assessing the potential and risks of AI, each covering common aspects such as AI ethics, and human-centred mindset and even certain distinct options such as AI system design for students and AI pedagogy for teachers.

Potential Challenges

While AI holds immense promise in education, innovation with regard to learning is contentious as several risks must be carefully managed. Depending on the innovation, AI’s struggle with multitasking beyond the classroom, such as administrative duties and tedious grading, which require highly detailed role descriptions could prove to be a challenge. This can become exhausting for developers managing innovative AI systems, as they would have to fit various responses owing to the inherent nature of AI needing to be trained to produce output. Security concerns are another major issue, as data breaches could compromise sensitive student information. Implementation costs also present challenges, as access to AI-driven tools depends on financial resources. Furthermore, AI-driven personalised learning, while beneficial, may inadvertently reduce student motivation, also compromising students' soft skills, such as teamwork and communication, which are crucial for real-world success. These risks highlight the need for a balanced approach to AI integration in education.

Conclusion

Innovations related to education, especially the ones that focus on a human-centred AI approach, have immense potential in not only enhancing learning experiences but also reshaping how knowledge is accessed, understood, and applied. Untapped potential using other services is also encouraged in this sector. However, maintaining a balance between fostering intrigue and ensuring the inculcation of ethical and secure AI remains imperative.

References

• https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/what-you-need-know-about-unescos-new-ai-competency-frameworks-students-and-teachers?hub=32618
• https://www.unesco.org/en/digital-education/artificial-intelligence
• https://www.deccanherald.com/technology/google-backed-rocket-learning-launches-appu-an-ai-powered-tutor-for-kids-3455078
• https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/artificial-intelligence/how-this-google-backed-ai-tool-is-reshaping-education-appu-9896391/
• https://www.thehindu.com/business/ai-appu-to-tutor-children-in-india/article69354145.ece
• https://www.velvetech.com/blog/ai-in-education-risks-and-concerns/ 

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