#FactCheck-AI-Generated Video Falsely Shared as Drone Show Honouring Cristiano Ronaldo Introduction
Executive Summary
A video is being widely circulated on social media showing thousands of drones forming an image of Cristiano Ronaldo wearing his iconic Portugal jersey over what appears to be a water body. Moments later, the drones are seen creating his famous “SIUUU” celebration pose. The video is being shared with the claim that this spectacular aerial drone show was organised as a tribute to Ronaldo.
CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the viral claim to be false. The research revealed that the video is not a real drone display but was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and is being circulated with a misleading claim.
Claim
The viral video is being shared on social media with the claim that the drone show was organised in honour of Cristiano Ronaldo.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DamaeegILpU/?igsh=NmtjOTN4cWJzenJ1
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted multiple keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the research, we did not find any credible video, news report, or reliable source confirming that such a drone show was organised for Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the next stage of the research, we analysed the video using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. The tool’s results indicated that the viral video had a 71% probability of being AI-generated.
For further verification, we checked the video using another AI detection tool, DetectVideo AI. The analysis showed that the video had an 80% probability of being AI-generated.
At the final stage of the research, the video was also analysed using Deepfake-O-Meter. The tool indicated an almost 100% probability that the video was AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral claim is false. The video does not show a real drone show organised in honour of Cristiano Ronaldo. The footage was found to be AI-generated and is being circulated on social media with a false narrative.
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Introduction
The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, of 2023, introduces a framework for the protection of personal data in India. Data fiduciaries are the entity that essentially determines the purpose and means of processing of personal data. The small-scale industries also fall within the ambit of the term. Startups/Small companies and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) while determining the purpose of processing of personal data in the capacity of ‘data fiduciary’ are also required to comply with the DPDP Act provisions. The obligations set for the data fiduciary will apply to them unilaterally, though compliance with this Act and can be challenging due to resource constraints and limited expertise in data protection.
DPDP Act, 2023 Section 17(3) gives power to the Central Government to exempt Startups from being obligated to comply with the Act, taking into account the volume and nature of personal data processed. It is the nation's first standalone law on data protection and privacy, which sets forth strict rules on how data fiduciaries can collect and process personal data, focusing on consent-based mechanisms and personal data protection. Small-scale industries are given more time to comply with the DPDP Act. The detailed provisions to be notified in further rulemaking called ‘DPDP rules’.
Obligations on Data Fiduciary under the DPDP Act, 2023
The DPDP Act focuses on processing digital personal data in a manner that recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Hence, small-scale industries also need to comply with provisions aimed at protecting digital personal data.
The key requirements to be considered:
- Data Processing Principles: Ensuring that data processing is done lawfully, fairly, and transparently. Further, the collection and processing of personal data is only for specific, clear, and legitimate purposes and only the data necessary for the stated purpose. Ensuring that the data is accurate and up to date is also necessary. An important part is that the data is not retained longer than necessary and appropriate security measures are taken to protect the said data.
- Consent Management: Clear and informed consent should be obtained from individuals before collecting their personal data. Further, individuals have the option to withdraw their consent easily.
- Rights of Data Principals: Data principals (individuals) whose data is being collected have the right to Information, the right to correction and erasure of data, the right to grievance redressa, Right to nominate.the right to access, correct, and delete their personal data. Data fiduciaries need to be mindful of mechanisms to handle requests from data principals regarding their concerns.
- Data Breach Notifications: Data fiduciaries are required to notify the data protection board and the affected individuals in case a data breach has occurred.
- Appropriate technical and organisational measures: A Data Fiduciary shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure effective observance of the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder.Cross-border Data Transfers: Compliance with regulations in relation to the transfer of personal data outside of India should be ensured.
Challenges for Small Scale Industries for the DPDP Act Compliance
While small-scale industries have high aims for their organisational growth and now in the digital age they also need to place reliance on online security measures and handling of personal data, with the DPDP act in the picture it becomes an obligation to consider and comply with. As small-scale industries including MSMEs, they might face certain challenges in fulfilling these obligations but digital data protection measures will also boost the competitive market and customer growth in their business. Bringing reforms in methods aimed at better data governance in today's digital era is significant.
One of the major challenges for small-scale industries could be ensuring a skilled workforce that understands and educates internal stakeholders about the DPDP Act compliances. This could undoubtedly become an additional burden.
Further, the limited resources can make the implementation of data protection, which is oftentimes complex for a layperson in the case of a small-scale industry, difficult to implement. Limitations in resources are often financial or human resources.
Cybersecurity, cyber awareness, and protection from cyber threats need some form of expertise, which is lacking in small enterprises. The outsourcing of such expertise is a decision that is sometimes taken too late, and some form of harm can take place between the periods by which an incident can occur.
Investment in the core business or enterprise many times doesn't include technology other than the basic requirements to run the business, nor towards ensuring that the data is secure and all compliances are met. However, in the fast-moving digital world, all industries need to be mindful of their efforts to protect personal data and proper data governance.
Recommendations
To ensure the proper and effective personal data handling practices as per the provisions of the act, the small companies/startups need to work backend and frontend and ensure that they take adequate measures to comply with the act. While such industries have been given more time to ensure compliance, there are some suggestions for them to be compliant with the new law.
Small companies can ensure compliance with the DPDP Act by implementing robust data protection policies, investing in and providing employee training on data privacy, using age-verification mechanisms, and adopting privacy-by-design principles. Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas where current practices fall short of DPDP Act requirements. Regular audits, secure data storage solutions, and transparent communication with users about data practices are also essential. Use cost-effective tools and technologies for data protection and management.
Conclusion
Small-scale industries must take proactive steps to align with the DPDP Act, 2023 provisions. By understanding the requirements, leveraging external expertise, and adopting best practices, small-scale industries can ensure compliance and protect personal data effectively. In the long run, complying with the new law would lead to greater trust and better business for the enterprises, resulting in a larger revenue share for them.
References
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959161
- https://www.financialexpress.com/business/digital-transformation-dpdp-act-managing-data-protection-compliance-in-businesses-3305293/
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/big-tech-coalition-seeks-12-18-month-extension-to-comply-with-indias-dpdp-act/articleshow/104726843.cms?from=mdr
Executive Summary
Amid the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, a video of a cargo ship engulfed in flames is being widely shared across social media platforms. The clip shows a vessel burning intensely at sea, with users claiming that Iran targeted the ship with a drone for attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without permission. Some users have also claimed that the destroyed vessel was a Pakistani-flagged oil tanker hit by Iranian missiles. However, research by CyberPeace found the claim to be false. Our verification also reveals that the viral video is being misrepresented.
Claim
Social media users, including an X (formerly Twitter) account named “IranDefenceForce,” shared the video claiming that Iran targeted an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for allegedly violating restrictions.
Fact Check
A keyword-based news search led us to multiple credible reports mentioning a statement by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to reports, Iran had allowed ships from “friendly countries” including India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
A March 26, 2026 report by The Hindu stated that Araghchi also emphasized Iran’s assertion of sovereignty over the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The same statement was also shared via the official X handle of the Iranian Consulate in Mumbai. During a frame-by-frame analysis of the viral video, we noticed the word “SAFEEN” written on a part of the ship. Using this clue, we conducted a targeted news search and found a report by Reuters dated March 4, 2026.
According to the report, a Malta-flagged container ship named Safeen Prestige was damaged in an attack while heading toward the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping sources cited in the report stated that the vessel was struck around 1109 GMT while sailing eastward, approximately two nautical miles north of Oman. The ship had reportedly departed from Sharjah Port in the United Arab Emirates but was damaged before reaching its destination. Its last known location was in the Persian Gulf. Additionally, earlier this month, another cargo vessel named Mayuri Naree was also attacked near Iran’s Qeshm Island. As per Reuters, an explosion caused a fire in the engine room, after which 20 crew members were rescued by the Omani navy, while three remained missing.
Conclusion
The viral video does not show Iran targeting a Pakistani oil tanker for violating restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. In reality, the clip features the Malta-flagged container ship Safeen Prestige, which was damaged in an unidentified attack in the Persian Gulf. The claim being circulated on social media is misleading.
Executive Summary
A video showing armed personnel detaining individuals on board a ship is being widely shared on social media with the claim that Indian Navy’s MARCOS captured 35 Somali pirates during a recent anti-piracy operation. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is actually from the joint military exercise ‘LAMITIYE 2026’, held in Seychelles in March, involving the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
Claim
Users on X (formerly Twitter) shared the clip with captions such as: “Indian Navy MARCOS captured 35 Somali pirates,” presenting it as footage of a recent anti-piracy mission.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to the same video posted on March 20 by a Facebook page named “Defence Squad.” The caption identified the visuals as showing Indian Navy MARCOS and the Seychelles Defence Forces’ Special Operations Unit during the joint military exercise LAMITIYE 2026.
Link:
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1263962865936234
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1263962865936234
Further keyword searches led to multiple news reports carrying screenshots from the same video. These reports confirmed that the 11th India-Seychelles joint military exercise, LAMITIYE 2026, was conducted in Seychelles from March 9 to March 20.
We did not find any recent reports about the Indian Navy capturing Somali pirates. However, in March 2024, the Indian Navy had captured 35 Somali pirates who had hijacked a bulk carrier and taken hostages. The suspects were later handed over to Mumbai Police for legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading. The video being circulated as footage of an anti-piracy operation by the Indian Navy does not show the capture of Somali pirates. Instead, it is from the India-Seychelles joint military exercise ‘LAMITIYE 2026’, conducted in March with the participation of the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces. While the Indian Navy had indeed captured 35 Somali pirates in a separate incident in March 2024, there are no credible or recent reports linking such an operation to the viral video. The clip has been taken out of context and is being shared with a false narrative, leading to misinformation about a routine military exercise.
