#FactCheck:AI-Generated War Video Falsely Linked to Israel-Iran Tensions Goes Viral
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media linking it to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. The clip shows multiple fighter jets flying across the sky, while massive flames appear to be rising from tall buildings below. The visuals are dramatic and alarming, creating the impression of a large-scale military strike. Users sharing the video claim that after Israel carried out an attack, Iran launched a retaliatory strike on Israel, and that the viral footage captures the aftermath of this counterattack. However, research conducted by the CyberPeace found the claim to be misleading. Our research revealed that the viral video is not authentic but AI-generated.
Claim
On the social media platform Facebook, a user shared the viral video with the caption: “Iran has also carried out a retaliatory attack on Israel.”
(Post link and archive link provided above.)
Factcheck
Upon closely examining the video, we noticed several irregularities in the visuals and motion patterns, which raised suspicion that the footage may have been generated using artificial intelligence. To verify this, we analyzed the video using the AI detection tool developed by Hive Moderation. According to the analysis report, there is a 62 percent likelihood that the viral video is AI-generated.
As part of further verification, we also scanned the video using Sightengine. The results indicated an even stronger probability, suggesting that the video is 99 percent AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video does not depict a real military attack. It is AI-generated content being falsely shared in the context of Israel-Iran tensions.
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Introduction
Attempts at countering the spread of misinformation can include various methods and differing degrees of engagement by different stakeholders. The inclusion of Artificial Intelligence, user awareness and steps taken on the part of the public at a larger level, focus on innovation to facilitate clear communication can be considered in the fight to counter misinformation. This becomes even more important in spaces that deal with matters of national security, such as the Indian army.
IIT Indore’s Intelligent Communication System
As per a report in Hindustan Times on 14th November 2024, IIT Indore has achieved a breakthrough on their project regarding Intelligent Communication Systems. The project is supported by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), as part of a specialised 6G research initiative (Bharat 6G Alliance) for innovation in 6G technology.
Professors at IIT Indore claim that the system they are working on has features different from the ones currently in use. They state that the receiver system can recognise coding, interleaving (a technique used to enhance existing error-correcting codes), and modulation methods together in situations of difficult environments, which makes it useful for transmitting information efficiently and securely, and thus could not only be used for telecommunication but the army as well. They also mention that previously, different receivers were required for different scenarios, however, they aim to build a system that has a single receiver that can adapt to any situation.
Previously, in another move that addressed the issue of misinformation in the army, the Ministry of Defence designated the Additional Directorate General of Strategic Communication in the Indian Army as the authorised officer to issue take-down notices regarding instances of posts consisting of illegal content and misinformation concerning the Army.
Recommendations
Here are a few policy implications and deliberations one can explore with respect to innovations geared toward tackling misinformation within the army:
- Research and Development: In this context, investment and research in better communication through institutes have enabled a system that ensures encrypted and secure communication, which helps with ways to combat misinformation for the army.
- Strategic Deployment: Relevant innovations can focus on having separate pilot studies testing sensitive data in the military areas to assess their effectiveness.
- Standardisation: Once tested, a set parameter of standards regarding the intelligence communication systems used can be encouraged.
- Cybersecurity integration: As misinformation is largely spread online, innovation in such fields can encourage further exploration with regard to integration with Cybersecurity.
Conclusion
The spread of misinformation during modern warfare can have severe repercussions. Sensitive and clear data is crucial for safe and efficient communication as a lot is at stake. Innovations that are geared toward combating such issues must be encouraged, for they not only ensure efficiency and security with matters related to defence but also combat misinformation as a whole.
References
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/iit-indore-unveils-groundbreaking-intelligent-receivers-for-enhanced-6g-and-military-communication-security/articleshow/115265902.cms
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/6g-technology-and-intelligent-receivers-will-ease-way-for-army-intelligence-operations-iit-official-101731574418660.html
Introduction
The much-awaited DPDP Rules have now finally been released in the official Gazette on 3rd January 2025 for consultation. The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (DPDP Rules) invites objections and suggestions from stakeholders that can be submitted on MyGov (https://mygov.in) by 18th February 2025.
DPDP Rules at Glance
- Processing of Children's Data: The draft rules say that ‘A Data Fiduciary shall adopt appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure that verifiable consent of the parent is obtained before the processing of any personal data of a child’. It entails that children below 18 will need parents' consent to create social media accounts.
- The identity of the parents and their age can be verified through reliable details of identity and age available with the Data Fiduciary, voluntarily provided identity proof or virtual token mapped to the same. The data fiduciaries are also required to observe due diligence for checking that the individual identifying themselves as the parent is an adult who is identifiable, if required, in connection with compliance with any law for the time being in force in India. Additionally, the government will also extend exemptions from these specific provisions pertaining to processing of children's data to educational institutions, and child welfare organisations.
- Processing of Personal Data Outside India: The draft rules specify that the transfer of personal data outside India, whether it is processed within the country or outside in connection with offering goods or services to individuals in India, is permitted only if the Data Fiduciary complies with the conditions prescribed by the Central Government through general or specific orders.
- Intimation of Personal Data Breach: On becoming aware of a personal data breach, the Data Fiduciary must promptly notify the affected Data Principals in a clear and concise manner through their user account or registered communication method. This notification should include a description of the breach (nature, extent, timing, and location), potential consequences for the Data Principal, measures taken or planned to mitigate risks, recommended safety actions for the Data Principal, and contact information of a representative to address queries. Additionally, the Data Fiduciary must inform the Board without delay, providing details of the breach, its likely impact, and initial findings. Within 72 hours (or a longer period allowed by the Board upon request), the Data Fiduciary must submit updated information, including the facts and circumstances of the breach, mitigation measures, findings about the cause, steps to prevent recurrence, and a report on notifications given to affected Data Principals.
- Data Protection Board: The draft rules propose establishing the Data Protection Board, which will function as a digital office, enabling remote hearings, and will hold powers to investigate breaches, impose penalties, and perform related regulatory functions.
Journey of Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
The foundation for the single statute legislation on Data Protection was laid down in 2017, in the famous ‘Puttaswami judgment,’ which is also well recognised as the Aadhar Card judgment. In this case, ‘privacy’ was recognised as intrinsic to the right to life and personal liberty, guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India, thus making ‘Right to Privacy’ a fundamental right. In the landmark Puttaswamy ruling, the apex court of India stressed the need for a comprehensive data protection law.
Eight years on and several draft bills later, the Union Cabinet approved the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (DPDP) on 5th July 2023. The bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha on 3rd August 2023, and It was passed by Lok Sabha on 7th August, and the bill passed by Rajya Sabha on 9th August and got the president's assent on 11th August 2023; and India finally came up with the ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. This is a significant development that has the potential to bring about major improvements to online privacy and the handling of digital personal data by the platforms.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, is a newly-enacted legislation designed to protect individuals' digital personal data. It aims to ensure compliance by Data Fiduciaries and imposes specific obligations on both Data Principals and Data Fiduciaries. The Act promotes consent-based data collection practices and establishes the Data Protection Board to oversee compliance and address grievances. Additionally, it includes provisions for penalties of up to ₹250 crores in the event of a data breach. However, despite the DPDP Act being passed by parliament last year, the Act has not yet taken effect since its rules and regulations are still not finalised.
Conclusion
It is heartening to see that the Ministry of Electronics and Technology (MeitY) has finally released the draft of the much-awaited DPDP rules for consultation from stakeholders. Though noting certain positive aspects, there is still room for addressing certain gaps and multiple aspects under the draft rules that require attention. The public consultation, including the inputs from the tech platforms, is likely to see critical inputs on multiple aspects under the proposed rules. One such key area of interest will be the requirement of verifiable parental consent, which will likely include recommendations for a balanced approach which maintains children’s safety and mechanisms for the requirement of verifiable consent. The Provisions permitting government access to personal data on grounds of national security are also expected to face scrutiny. The proposed rules, after the consultation process, will be taken into consideration for finalisation after 18th February 2025. The move towards establishing a robust data protection law in India signals a significant step toward enhancing trust and accountability in the digital ecosystem. However, its success will hinge on effective implementation, clear compliance mechanisms, and the adaptability of stakeholders to this evolving regulatory landscape.
References
Executive Summary
Amid the ongoing conflict involving the US-Israel and Iran in West Asia, a video showing destroyed aircraft at an airport is going viral on social media. The clip is being shared with the claim that it shows an Israeli military base destroyed in an Iranian attack. However, an research by the CyberPeacen found that the viral video is not real but AI-generated.
Claim:
An Instagram user “sakirali8064” shared the video on March 22, 2026, claiming that Iran had demonstrated its military strength by deploying advanced missiles capable of long-range precision strikes.The video also carries a “Breaking News” overlay stating:“Iran attack Israel military base… the entire base destroyed.
Post link and archive link:
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral clip and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. We found a longer version of the same video posted on March 5, 2026, by a Facebook user named “With INC,” where it was also falsely linked to an Iranian attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.
Upon closely examining the video, we observed inconsistencies such as fire changing positions unnaturally, which raised suspicion of AI manipulation. We then analyzed the video using Hive Moderation, which indicated a probability of over 99% that the content is AI-generated.
Additionally, analysis using Tencent’s “Zhuque AI” detection tool suggested more than 78% likelihood of the video being AI-generated.
Conclusion:
The viral video claiming that an Iranian attack destroyed an Israeli military base is AI-generated and misleading. While Iran has claimed to have targeted Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport using drones, the viral footage does not depict a real event.
