#FactCheck - Viral Video of Aircraft Carrier Destroyed in Sea Storm Is AI-Generated
Social media users are widely sharing a video claiming to show an aircraft carrier being destroyed after getting trapped in a massive sea storm. In the viral clip, the aircraft carrier can be seen breaking apart amid violent waves, with users describing the visuals as a “wrath of nature.”
However, CyberPeace Foundation’s research has found this claim to be false. Our fact-check confirms that the viral video does not depict a real incident and has instead been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Claim:
An X (formerly Twitter) user shared the viral video with the caption,“Nature’s wrath captured on camera.”The video shows an aircraft carrier appearing to be devastated by a powerful ocean storm. The post can be viewed here, and its archived version is available here.
https://x.com/Maailah1712/status/2011672435255624090
Fact Check:
At first glance, the visuals shown in the viral video appear highly unrealistic and cinematic, raising suspicion about their authenticity. The exaggerated motion of waves, structural damage to the vessel, and overall animation-like quality suggest that the video may have been digitally generated. To verify this, we analyzed the video using AI detection tools.
The analysis conducted by Hive Moderation, a widely used AI content detection platform, indicates that the video is highly likely to be AI-generated. According to Hive’s assessment, there is nearly a 90 percent probability that the visual content in the video was created using AI.
Conclusion
The viral video claiming to show an aircraft carrier being destroyed in a sea storm is not related to any real incident.It is a computer-generated, AI-created video that is being falsely shared online as a real natural disaster. By circulating such fabricated visuals without verification, social media users are contributing to the spread of misinformation.
Related Blogs
In recent months, conversations around the possible shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a basic cooking fuel in Indian households, have quietly resurfaced across the country. From whispers in local markets to viral messages circulating on social media, concerns about LPG availability began to take hold in the public imagination. Though the immediacy of the situation has since faded, its echoes remain, reminding us how quickly uncertainty can spread. Like a ripple across still water, a single rumour can travel far, gathering force as it moves and blurring the line between perception and reality.
Against this backdrop, in April 2026, reports began circulating about a potential LPG shortage. The Union Government moved quickly to counter what it identified as misinformation, emphasising that supply remained stable and urging citizens not to engage in panic buying. A noticeable disconnect emerged between official communication and public perception. Across different regions, signs of anxiety-driven behaviour became evident. Instances of panic buying and hoarding increased, law enforcement agencies conducted raids to address such actions, and opportunistic thefts were reported, often exploiting widespread concern. These incidents highlight how misinformation, even when addressed promptly, can continue to shape public behaviour.
It is worth noting that rising prices also played a role in shaping public response, as increases in LPG rates contributed to a sense of urgency among consumers. Therefore, the surge in panic buying cannot be attributed solely to misinformation, but rather to a combination of economic pressures and perceived scarcity.
Misinformation Ecosystem - From Rumours to Behaviour
The spread of misinformation is occurring at an unprecedented pace and is, in large part, driven by the viral nature of social media. Digital platforms not only enable the rapid dissemination of information but also allow it to be amplified in ways that would not be possible through traditional media outlets. Often, the drive for virality outweighs any concern for accuracy, meaning that many individuals who spread misinformation are motivated more by the pursuit of attention than by any ideological agenda. Recent arrests of individuals involved in spreading misinformation about LPG and petrol shortages, much of which went viral, suggest that misinformation today is frequently driven by the desire for visibility rather than ideological motives. The information being circulated has largely followed a similar pattern, focusing on fears of an LPG shortage, expectations of price increases, and concerns about supply disruptions. Even though this information has not been verified, it has triggered behavioural responses among individuals. In several areas, including parts of Uttar Pradesh and Goa, the spread of misinformation through social media has led to panic buying, despite official assurances that there would be sufficient LPG supply to meet demand.
The impact of panic buying, and its associated misinformation, has already been seen in multiple sectors; these increased demands have placed pressure on the distribution network, leading to disruptions in access, as well as being out of stock of certain products. In many cases, commercial users of products (especially restaurants) have experienced significant disruption, threatening their continued operations, and industry representatives have alerted others about the inconsistent supply of commercial cylinders; likewise, consumers (households) are beginning to switch to alternative products (e.g., induction cooking) as a reflection of the anticipatory mindset to address the uncertainty created through perceptions of Product Scarcity.
State Response: Managing Misinformation or Behaviour?
The government has taken a variety of approaches, from advisories and enforcement actions to communicating with citizens indirectly. For example, State Governments have been directed to combat misinformation, monitor supply chains and take action against hoarding and black market activity. There has been a significant increase in the level of large- scale enforcement activity, with over 3,700 raids carried out to crack down on hoarding and black marketing related to LPG, in addition to confiscating cylinders and issuing penalties to those who break the law. In addition, the authorities have also focused on maintaining regular communication with the public in order to reassure them about the supply of LPG and fuel stability.
Geopolitical Context: Why Rumours Are Believable
Understanding today’s panic requires an understanding of the global environment: i.e., due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the energy markets are unstable, and energy supply is uncertain not only in West Asia but across a large part of the world. Even if domestic supply remains stable, public perception is affected by global instability. A clear example of this can be seen in neighbouring countries to India; Pakistan has seen significant increases in the cost of fuel, implemented measures such as reducing the number of days individuals work each week, and has created public support mechanisms; Bangladesh has imposed restrictions on the use of energy, has shortened the number of hours individuals can operate businesses each day, and has restricted the total amount of energy used; Sri Lanka has begun to ration fuel, and to increase the price of petrol; and Nepal has reduced the numbers of days individuals may work each week, and has adjusted supply.
All of these examples are not isolated instances, but are markers of a common regional environment. As we live in a global community that is connected in many ways, these developments will quickly affect public expectations everywhere. Therefore, for consumers in India, seeing evidence of rationing of fuel and shortages of fuel in neighbouring countries increases their belief that these types of problems could occur in their country.
Critical Perspective: Between Panic and Precaution
The LPG incident has brought about questions surrounding the nature of misinformation in terms of its definition & regulation. One of the main concerns is whether or not "misinformation" is being cast too widely. To be sure, false claims need to be addressed; however, not everything that is responded to publicly is based on untrue facts, as many times public responses are based on perceived risk via global and/or local incidents that occur. Perhaps the greatest challenge is the difficulty in differentiating precaution and panic. People’s memories of the COVID-19 pandemic are fresh in their minds and will serve to influence their behaviours moving onward, in that many people are stockpiling or preparing for uncertainty not out of irrational fear, but as an anticipatory response to their prior experiences.
Conclusion
The Indian LPG "crisis" is not so much a problem with actual supply chain breakdown as it is a result of how information and behaviour are connected through perception. This cohabitating environment of panic buying, law enforcement, and government assurance demonstrates an evident disconnect and gap between how governments present a narrative and how the public responds. While there is some role of misinformation within this discourse, the misinformation itself extends beyond any or all false claims about LPG supply and operates within a greater ecosystem of global uncertainty and personal experience. As such, and because of this, perception becomes an incredibly strong force in itself that produces true economic consequences.
Reference
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2248640&utm_source®=3&lang=2
- https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-addresses-the-lok-sabha-on-the-ongoing-conflict-in-west-asia/
- https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/iran-war-middle-east-conflict-why-the-lpg-crisis-is-forcing-migrants-to-quietly-leave-delhi-11313629
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/thieves-steal-108-lpg-cylinders-from-godown-in-up/articleshow/130035518.cms
- https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arrested-rumours-lpg-petrol-shortage-police-chasing-views-10614193/
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/social-media-rumours-fuel-panic-buying-in-some-up-districts-situation-normal-in-lucknow-101774465353107.html
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/fear-of-shortage-price-rise-fuels-panic-buying-across-goa/articleshow/129810144.cms
- https://www.news18.com/cities/new-delhi-news/online-rumours-offline-rush-panic-buying-sweeps-petrol-pumps-across-cities-whats-the-truth-ws-ln-9995684.html
- https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/3700-raids-conducted-across-country-to-wipe-out-lpg-black-marketing-says-centre/articleshow/130025232.cms
- https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/induction-stoves-fly-off-shelves-india-gas-shortage-fears-spark-panic-buying-2026-03-12/
- https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/restaurant-body-warns-of-closures-over-commercial-lpg-supply-concerns-writes-to-minister-11194418
- https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/fpj-dialogue-we-are-getting-only-1-cylinder-instead-of-10-says-ahar-president-vijay-shetty-on-mumbai-lpg-crisis
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/fuel-cuts-wfh-and-more-how-indias-neighbours-are-dealing-with-global-energy-crisis-triggered-by-us-iran-war-101775397199941.html
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-30/four-step-fuel-supply-plan-national-cabinet-fuel-crisis/106512706
- https://tribune.net.ph/2026/04/07/philippines-scrambles-as-regional-oil-crisis-hits
Executive Summary
A set of two images is being widely circulated on social media claiming that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently raided a church in Kerala and seized ₹7000 crore in black money. The viral post also alleges that the media deliberately suppressed the news. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The visuals are not recent and are linked to an Income Tax Department action conducted in 2020 at the Believers Eastern Church in Kerala.
Claim:
A Facebook user shared the viral post claiming that ₹7000 crore in black money was seized from a Kerala-based church run by a bishop named Yohannan, and alleged that mainstream media ignored the incident.
Post link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2143680196569943 , https://archive.ph/submit/
Fact Check:
A keyword search related to the alleged raid on Believers Church in Kerala led to several news reports published in November 2020. A report published in The Hindu on November 6, 2020 stated that a crackdown by the Income Tax Department on the Thiruvalla-based Believers Eastern Church had reportedly uncovered several irregularities. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/raids-bring-to-light-shady-deals-of-believers-church/article33041420.ece
Further verification from the official Income Tax Department website confirmed details of the search operation. According to the press release, approximately ₹6 crore in unexplained cash was recovered during the raid, including ₹3.85 crore from a place of worship in Delhi. https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/Lists/Press%20Releases/Attachments/872/PressRelease_ITD_conducts_searches_in_Kerala_6_11_20.pdf
The release also noted that evidence suggested possible cash siphoning running into hundreds of crores of rupees.Additional media reports, including The Indian Express, stated that the total seizure amounted to around ₹14 crore. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala/i-t-raids-kerala-church-premises-on-charge-of-diverting-charity-funds-6984466/
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral claim is misleading. The incident is from 2020 and not recent. During the Income Tax Department raid on the Believers Eastern Church in Kerala, around ₹6 crore in cash was recovered, with total seizures reported up to ₹14 crore in media reports. There is no evidence of any ₹7000 crore seizure as claimed in the viral post.
Introduction
The emergence of deepfake technology has become a significant problem in an era driven by technological growth and power. The government has reacted proactively as a result of concerns about the exploitation of this technology due to its extraordinary realism in manipulating information. The national government is in the vanguard of defending national interests, public trust, and security as the digital world changes. On the 26th of December 2023, the central government issued an advisory to businesses, highlighting how urgent it is to confront this growing threat.
The directive aims to directly address the growing concerns around Deepfakes, or misinformation driven by AI. This advice represents the result of talks that Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, had with intermediaries during the course of a month-long Digital India dialogue. The main aim of the advisory is to accurately and clearly inform users about information that is forbidden, especially those listed under Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules.
Advisory
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sent a formal recommendation to all intermediaries, requesting adherence to current IT regulations and emphasizing the need to address issues with misinformation, specifically those driven by artificial intelligence (AI), such as Deepfakes. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar released the recommendation, which highlights the necessity of communicating forbidden information in a clear and understandable manner, particularly in light of Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules.
Advise on Prohibited Content Communication
According to MeitY's advice, intermediaries must transmit content that is prohibited by Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules in a clear and accurate manner. This involves giving users precise details during enrollment, login, and content sharing/uploading on the website, as well as including such information in customer contracts and terms of service.
Ensuring Users Are Aware of the Rules
Digital platform suppliers are required to inform their users of the laws that are relevant to them. This covers provisions found in the IT Act of 2000 and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Corporations should inform users of the potential consequences of breaking the restrictions outlined in Rule 3(1)(b) and should also urge users to notify any illegal activity to law enforcement.
Talks Concerning Deepfakes
For more than a month, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar had a significant talk with various platforms where they addressed the issue of "deepfakes," or computer-generated fake videos. The meeting emphasized how crucial it is that everyone abides by the laws and regulations in effect, particularly the IT Rules to prevent deepfakes from spreading.
Addressing the Danger of Disinformation
Minister Chandrasekhar underlined the grave issue of disinformation, particularly in the context of deepfakes, which are false pieces of content produced using the latest developments such as artificial intelligence. He emphasized the dangers this deceptive data posed to internet users' security and confidence. The Minister emphasized the efficiency of the IT regulations in addressing this issue and cited the Prime Minister's caution about the risks of deepfakes.
Rule Against Spreading False Information
The Minister referred particularly to Rule 3(1)(b)(v), which states unequivocally that it is forbidden to disseminate false information, even when doing so involves cutting-edge technology like deepfakes. He called on intermediaries—the businesses that offer digital platforms—to take prompt action to take such content down from their systems. Additionally, he ensured that everyone is aware that breaking such rules has legal implications.
Analysis
The Central Government's latest advisory on deepfake technology demonstrates a proactive strategy to deal with new issues. It also highlights the necessity of comprehensive legislation to directly regulate AI material, particularly with regard to user interests.
There is a wider regulatory vacuum for content produced by artificial intelligence, even though the current guideline concentrates on the precision and lucidity of information distribution. While some limitations are mentioned in the existing laws, there are no clear guidelines for controlling or differentiating AI-generated content.
Positively, it is laudable that the government has recognized the dangers posed by deepfakes and is making appropriate efforts to counter them. As AI technology develops, there is a chance to create thorough laws that not only solve problems but also create a supportive environment for the creation of ethical AI content. User protection, accountability, openness, and moral AI use would all benefit from such laws. This offers an opportunity for regulatory development to guarantee the successful and advantageous incorporation of AI into our digital environment.
Conclusion
The Central Government's preemptive advice on deepfake technology shows a great dedication to tackling new risks in the digital sphere. The advice highlights the urgent need to combat deepfakes, but it also highlights the necessity for extensive legislation on content produced by artificial intelligence. The lack of clear norms offers a chance for constructive regulatory development to protect the interests of users. The advancement of AI technology necessitates the adoption of rules that promote the creation of ethical AI content, guaranteeing user protection, accountability, and transparency. This is a turning point in the evolution of regulations, making it easier to responsibly incorporate AI into our changing digital landscape.
References
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/deepfake-menace-govt-issues-advisory-to-intermediaries-to-comply-with-existing-it-rules/articleshow/106297813.cms
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1990542#:~:text=Ministry%20of%20Electronics%20and%20Information,misinformation%20powered%20by%20AI%20%E2%80%93%20Deepfakes.
- https://www.timesnownews.com/india/centres-deepfake-warning-to-it-firms-ensure-users-dont-violate-content-rules-article-106298282#:~:text=The%20Union%20government%20on%20Tuesday,actors%2C%20businesspersons%20and%20other%20celebrities
