#FactCheck- Viral video of UP Police patrolling on e-rickshaw is AI-generated
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media showing a police officer driving an e-rickshaw, while two other policemen are seen in the back seat. Users sharing the clip claim that, due to a shortage of petrol, this is a new initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Police. However, research by CyberPeace found the viral claim to be false. Our research also confirms that the video is not real but AI-generated.
Claim
An Instagram user shared the viral video claiming that due to fuel shortages, Uttar Pradesh Police has started patrolling using e-rickshaws.
- Post link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWepKWXAeiE/
- Archive: https://archive.ph/QBNXs
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first conducted a keyword search on Google but found no credible media reports supporting this claim.
Next, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and performed a reverse image search using Google Lens. During this process, we found the same video uploaded on an Instagram channel on March 28, 2026. The uploader clearly mentioned that the video was created purely for entertainment purposes.
We further analyzed the video using AI detection tools. When scanned with Hive Moderation, the results indicated that the video is approximately 94% AI-generated.
In the next step, we also tested the clip using DeepAI. According to its analysis, the video is about 97% AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our research clearly shows that the viral video is not authentic. It is an AI-generated clip created for entertainment purposes, and the claim that Uttar Pradesh Police has started e-rickshaw patrolling due to petrol shortage is false.
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Introduction
The world has been riding the wave of technological advancements, and the fruits it has born have impacted our lives. Technology, by its virtue, cannot be quantified as safe or unsafe it is the application and use of technology which creates the threats. Its times like this, the importance and significance of policy framework are seen in cyberspace. Any technology can be governed by means of policies and laws only. In this blog, we explore the issues raised by the EU for the tech giants and why the Indian Govt is looking into probing Whatsapp.
EU on Big Techs
Eu has always been seen to be a strong policy maker for cyberspace, and the same can be seen from the scope, extent and compliance of GDPR. This data protection bill is the holy grail for worldwide data protection bills. Apart from the GDPR, the EU has always maintained strong compliance demographics for the big tech as most of them have originated outside of Europe, and the rights of EU citizens come into priority above anything else.
New Draft Notification
According to the draft of the new notification, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and other non-European Union cloud service providers looking to secure an EU cybersecurity label to handle sensitive data can only do so via a joint venture with an EU-based company. The document adds that the cloud service must be operated and maintained from the EU, all customer data must be stored and processed in the EU, and EU laws take precedence over non-EU laws regarding the cloud service provider. Certified cloud services are operated only by companies based in the EU, with no entity from outside the EU having effective control over the CSP (cloud service provider) to mitigate the risk of non-EU interfering powers undermining EU regulations, norms and values.
This move from the EU is still in the draft phase however, it is expected to come into action soon as issues related to data breaches of EU citizens have been reported on numerous occasions. The document said the tougher rules would apply to personal and non-personal data of particular sensitivity where a breach may have a negative impact on public order, public safety, human life or health, or the protection of intellectual property.
How will it secure the netizens?
Since the EU has been the leading policy maker in cyberspace, it is often seen that the rules and policies of the EU are often replicated around the world. Hence this move comes at a critical time as the EU is looking towards safeguarding the EU netizens and the Cyber security industry in the EU by allowing them to collaborate with big tech while maintaining compliance. Cloud services can be protected by this mechanism, thus ensuring fewer instances of data breaches, thus contributing to a dip in cyber crimes and attacks.
The Indian Govt on WhatsApp
The Indian Govt has decided to probe Whatsapp and its privacy settings. One of the Indian Whatsapp users tweeted a screenshot of WhatsApp accessing the phone’s mic even when the phone was not in use, and the app was not open even in the background. The meta-owned Social messaging platform enjoys nearly 487 million users in India, making it their biggest market. The 2018 judgement on Whatsapp and its privacy issues was a landmark judgement, but the platform is in violation of the same.
The MoS, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, has already tweeted that the issue will be looked into and that they will be punished if the platform is seen violating the guidelines. The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill is yet to be tabled at the parliament. Still, despite the draft bill being public, big platforms must maintain the code of conduct to maintain compliance when the bill turns into an Act.
Threats for Indian Users
The Indian Whatsapp user contributes to the biggest user base un the world, and still, they are vulnerable to attacks on WhatsApp and now WhatsApp itself. The netizens are under the following potential threats –
- Data breaches
- Identity theft
- Phishing scams
- Unconsented data utilisation
- Violation of Right to Privacy
- Unauthorised flow of data outside India
- Selling of data to a third party without consent
The Indian netizen needs to stay vary of such issues and many more by practising basic cyber safety and security protocols and keeping a check on the permissions granted to apps, to keep track of one’s digital footprint.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the EU or Indian Government, it is pertinent to understand that the world powers are all working towards creating a safe and secured cyberspace for its netizens. The move made by the EU will act as a catalyst for change at a global level, as once the EU enforces the policy, the world will soon replicate it to safeguard their cyber interests, assets and netizens. The proactive stance of the Indian Government is a crucial sign that the things will not remain the same in the Indian Cyber ecosystem, and its upon the platforms and companies to ensure compliance, even in the absence of a strong legislation for cyberspace. The government is taking all steps to safeguard the Indian netizen, as the same lies in the souls and spirit of the new Digital India Bill, which will govern cyberspace in the near future. Still, till then, in order to maintain the synergy and equilibrium, it is pertinent for the platforms to be in compliance with the laws of natural justice.
Executive Summary
A social media account on X (formerly Twitter) named @MEABharat is being circulated as the official account of India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Many users are sharing posts from the account, believing it to be an authentic government handle and treating the information published there as official communication. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the viral claim to be misleading. Our research revealed that @MEABharat is not an official X account of the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry has publicly clarified that it has no association with the account and stated that it is impersonating the Ministry, misleading the public, and undermining public interest.
Claim
Social media users are claiming that @MEABharat is the official X account of India's Ministry of External Affairs and that the information posted on the account is officially issued by the Ministry.
https://x.com/MEAFactCheck/status/2076650791453270332
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a keyword-based search on Google. During the research, we found an official clarification posted by the Ministry of External Affairs' fact-check handle, @MEAFactCheck. In its post, the Ministry clearly stated that the @MEABharat account has no connection whatsoever with the Ministry of External Affairs. It further clarified that the account is impersonating the Ministry, misleading the public, and undermining public interest. The Ministry also advised users to exercise caution and rely only on its verified official social media accounts and website for authentic information.
https://x.com/MEAFactCheck/status/2076650791453270332
As part of our research, we also examined the Ministry's official X account, @MEAIndia, which carries the verified blue badge. The account regularly publishes official statements, diplomatic updates, press briefings, and other communications related to India's foreign policy. It also serves as the official spokesperson's handle for the Ministry of External Affairs.
https://x.com/MEAIndia
Conclusion
Our research found that @MEABharat is not the official X account of India's Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry itself has publicly clarified that the account is fake, has no affiliation with the government, and is impersonating the Ministry to mislead the public. Therefore, the claim that @MEABharat is the official MEA handle is misleading. Users should rely only on the Ministry's verified accounts, including @MEAIndia and @MEAFactCheck, for authentic government information.
Executive Summary:
A viral video circulating on social media platforms, claimed to show the final moments of an Air India flight carrying passengers inside the cabin just before it crashed near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, is false. However, upon further research, the footage was found to originate from the Yeti Airlines Flight 691 crash that occurred in Pokhara, Nepal, on January 15, 2023. For all details, please follow the report.
Claim:
Viral videos circulating on social media claiming to show the final moments inside Air India flight AI‑171 before it crashed near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The footage appears to have been recorded by a passenger during the flight and is being shared as real-time visuals from the recent tragedy. Many users have believed the clip to be genuine and linked it directly to the Air India incident.
Fact Check:
To confirm the validity of the video going viral depicting the alleged final moments of Air India's AI-171 that crashed near Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025, we engaged in a comprehensive reverse image search and keyframe analysis then we got to know that the footage occurs back in January 2023, namely Yeti Airlines Flight 691 that crashed in Pokhara, Nepal. The visuals shared in the viral video match up, including cabin and passenger details, identically to the original livestream made by a passenger aboard the Nepal flight, confirming that the video is being reused out of context.
Moreover, well-respected and reliable news organisations, including New York Post and NDTV, have shared reports confirming that the video originated from the 2023 Nepal plane crash and has no relation to the recent Air India incident. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) also released a clarification dismissing the video as disinformation. Reliable reports from the past, visual evidence, and reverse search verification all provide complete agreement in that the viral video is falsely attributed to the AI-171 tragedy.
Conclusion:
The viral footage does not show the AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025. It is an irrelevant, previously recorded livestream from the January 2023 Yeti Airlines crash in Pokhara, Nepal, falsely repurposed as breaking news. It’s essential to rely on verified and credible news agencies. Please refer to official investigation reports when discussing such sensitive events.
- Claim: A dramatic clip of passengers inside a crashing plane is being falsely linked to the recent Air India tragedy in Ahmedabad.
- Claimed On: Social Media
- Fact Check: False and Misleading
