#FactCheck : Iraq Religious Gathering Video Misused as Khamenei Funeral Footage
Executive Summary
A video showing a massive gathering of people dressed in black is widely circulating on social media. The clip is being shared with the claim that it shows crowds mourning the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his alleged killing in February 2026 However, research by the CyberPeace found that the claim is misleading and the video is unrelated to Iran.
Claim:
The viral video shows a large crowd gathered in a public square, with a mosque featuring a golden dome visible in the background. Social media posts claim that the footage captures mourners attending Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral after his reported death in a joint US-Israel operation.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to a similar clip uploaded on January 15 by an Iraqi broadcaster, Karbala TV, on Facebook. In the footage, a large crowd can be seen carrying a symbolic coffin near a shrine with a golden dome—matching the visuals seen in the viral video. According to the Arabic caption, the video shows a “symbolic funeral” procession held at the Kazimayn Shrine in Baghdad, Iraq. The event is part of an annual religious observance commemorating Imam Musa al-Kazim, the seventh Imam in Shia Islam, who is believed to have died after being poisoned in the 8th century.
Every year, large numbers of Shia devotees gather at the shrine in Baghdad to pay their respects during this commemoration. The visuals seen in the viral clip are consistent with this annual gathering.
Conclusion:
The claim that the video shows crowds at Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral is false. The footage is unrelated and actually depicts a religious gathering in Baghdad, Iraq, held as part of an annual Shia ritual.
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Introduction
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) changed course just 48 hours after the directive dated December 1, 2025, sparked controversy. On December 3, 2025, the department publicly reversed its directive to smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app starting in March of the following year. The withdrawal marked the ending of a tumultuous, quick-paced event that highlighted how dynamic digital policy can be in a democracy.
The DoT explained its move in calculated terms. The government said that the first mandate was no longer necessary due to an abrupt increase in voluntary app downloads brought on by the public furore. The agency stated , “The mandate to install the app was meant to accelerate the process because the number of users has been growing rapidly.”
The app in question is not new. When it was first introduced in 2023, it was intended to be a public safety where people could report suspicious calls, identify numbers registered in their name, block stolen devices using their IMEI, confirm the authenticity of their handset, and report fraudulent international calls that were disguised as Indian numbers. The platform has quietly expanded over the past two years with features like utilities to check mobile connections, as well as Chakshu for reporting fraud. When used freely, it has helped numerous people in navigating the increasingly complex web of online scams.
Balancing Protection and Personal Freedom
In India, there isn’t much precedent for requiring all phones to have a certain government backed app installed. While operators supported TRAI’s DND app in 2018 and emergency numbers were integrated during the pandemic, they did not go into the territory of compulsory pre-installation.
Legal experts have time and again pointed out that although the government can control telecommunications for security reasons, any mandatory action pertaining to personal devices may be subject to constitutional review under the right to privacy, as stated in the Puttaswamy ruling. Not because the app is flawed in and of itself, but rather because every transition from voluntary adoption to mandatory compliance necessitates a higher standard of necessity, proportionality, and protections.
The Pulse of the Policy
The DoT’s stated rationale was clear: fake, duplicated or spoofed IMEIs represent a major cyber-security threat. India currently faces some of the world’s highest levels of SIM misuse, digital impersonation, online extortion, and device cloning crimes. Even a small fraction of compromised devices can do great harm in a nation with over a billion active mobile users.
The DoT’s AI and Digital Intelligence Unit, a small seven-person team in charge of SIM security, fighting illicit telecom setups, and collaborating with financial regulators on quickly changing fraud patterns, issued the Sanchar Saathi directive as part of a larger set of security-focused measures. One order required platforms such as WhatsApp to make sure that web sessions were terminated after six hours and that accounts only functioned when the registered SIM card was present in the device.
When taken as a whole, these orders indicate a clear strategic goal, the government is working to close systemic gaps that organised crime, particularly identity theft and device-level fraud, exploits. However, they also highlight the complex relationship between public opinion and security requirements. The government’s quick reversal in the Sanchar Saathi case demonstrated a crucial realization: digital safety mechanisms can only be effective when people feel educated, valued, and in charge.
CyberPeace Perspective & The Middle Path
CyberPeace stated that whenever a digital tool comes into contact with identity, data, or mobile access, public concern is inevitable. However, it is also emphasised that Sanchar Saathi is not a surveillance tool, instead can empower citizens.
Even with the rolled back mandate, it is reaffirmed that cornerstones of digital trust are accountability, openness, audits, and unambiguous permissions. India can maintain both safety and rights through responsible implementation, ethical design, and open communication.
References
- https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/what-is-the-sanchar-saathi-app-why-is-the-government-mandating-its-pre-installation/article70350322.ece
- https://theprint.in/opinion/sharp-edge/sanchar-saathi-app-modi-govt/2797917/
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2198110®=3&lang=2
- https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/SancharSaathiDocuments/ImportantDocuments/DoT%20issues%20directions%20for%20pre-installation%20of%20Sanchar%20Saathi%20App%20in%20mobile%20handsets%20to%20verify%20the%20genuineness%20of%20mobile%20handsets.pdf
- https://cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/sanchar-saathi-portal-a-solution-for-mobile-phone-theft-and-data-protection
- https://cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/chakshu-and-dip-shielding-citizens-from-online-frauds
- https://cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/financial-risk-indicator-launched-by-dot-to-strengthen-cybersecurity
Introduction
The digital expanse of the metaverse has recently come under scrutiny following a gruesome incident. In a digital realm crafted for connection and exploration, a 16-year-old girl’s avatar falls victim to an agonising assault that kindled the fire of ethno-legal and societal discourse. The incident is a stark reminder that the cyberverse, offering endless possibilities and experiences, also has glaring challenges that require serious consideration. The incident involves a sixteen-year-old teen girl being raped through her digital avatar by a few members of Metaverse.
This incident has sparked a critical question of genuine psychological trauma inflicted by virtual experiences. The incident with a 16-year-old girl highlights the strong emotional repercussions caused by illicit virtual actions. While the physical realm remains unharmed, the digital assault can leave permanent scars on the psyche of the girl. This issue raises a critical question about the ethical implications of virtual interactions and the responsibilities of service providers to protect users' well-being on their platforms.
The Judicial Quagmire
The digital nature of these assaults gives impetus to complex jurisdictions which are profound in cyber offences. We are still novices in navigating the digital labyrinth where avatars have the ability to transcend borders with just a click of a mouse. The current legal structure is not equipped to tackle virtual crimes, calling for urgent reforms in critical legal structure. The Policymakers and legal Professionals must define virtual offenses first with clear and defined jurisdictional boundaries ensuring justice isn’t hampered due to geographical restrictions.
Meta’s Accountability
Meta, a platform where this gruesome incident occurred, finds itself at the crossroads of ethical dilemma. The company implemented plenty of safeguards that proved futile in preventing such harrowing acts. The incident has raised several questions about the broader role and responsibilities of tech juggernauts. Some of the questions demanding immediate answers as how a company can strike a balance between innovation and the protection of its users.
The Tightrope of Ethics
Metaverse is the epitome of innovation, yet this harrowing incident highlights a fundamental ethical contention. The real challenge is to harness the power of virtual reality while addressing the risks of digital hostilities. Society is still facing this conundrum, stakeholders must work in tandem to formulate robust and effective legal structures to protect the rights and well-being of users. This also includes balancing technological development and ethical challenges which require collective effort.
Reflections of Society
Beyond legal and ethical considerations, this act calls for wider societal reflections. It emphasises the pressing need for a cultural shift fostering empathy, digital civility and respect. As we tread deeper into the virtual realm, we must strive to cultivate ethos upholding dignity in both the digital and real world. This shift is only possible through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives and strong community engagement to foster a culture of respect and responsibility.
Safer and Ethical Way Forward
A multidimensional approach is essential to address the complicated challenges cyber violence poses. Several measures can pave the way for safer cyberspace for netizens.
- Legislative Reforms - There’s an urgent need to revamp legislative frameworks to mitigate and effectively address the complexities of these new and emerging virtual offences. The tech companies must collaborate with the government on formulating best practices and help develop standard security measures prioritising user protection.
- Public Awareness and Engagement - Initiating public awareness campaigns to educate users on crucial issues such as cyber resilience, ethics, digital detox and responsible online behaviour play a critical role in making netizens vigilant to avoid cyber hostilities and help fellow netizens in distress. Civil society organisations and think tanks such as CyberPeace Foundation are the pioneers of cyber safety campaigns in the country, working in tandem with governments across the globe to curb the evil of cyber hostilities.
- Interdisciplinary Research: The policymakers should delve deeper into the ethical, psychological and societal ramifications of digital interactions. The multidisciplinary approach in research is crucial for formulating policy based on evidence.
Conclusion
The digital Gang Rape is a wake-up call, demanding the bold measure to confront the intricate legal, societal and ethical pitfalls of the metaverse. As we navigate digital labyrinth, our collective decisions will help shape the metaverse's future. By nurturing the culture of empathy, responsibility and innovation, we can forge a path honouring the dignity of netizens, upholding ethical principles and fostering a vibrant and safe cyberverse. In this significant movement, ethical vigilance, diligence and active collaboration are indispensable.
References:
- https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/virtual-gang-rape-reported-in-the-metaverse-probe-underway/article67705164.ece
- https://thesouthfirst.com/news/teen-uk-girl-virtually-gang-raped-in-metaverse-are-indian-laws-equipped-to-handle-similar-cases/
Introduction
We inhabit an era where digital connectivity, while empowering, has also unleashed a relentless tide of cyber vulnerabilities, where personal privacy is constantly threatened, and crimes like sextortion are the perfect example of the sinister side of our hyperconnected world. Social media platforms, instant messaging apps, and digital content-sharing tools have all grown rapidly, changing how people communicate with one another and making it harder to distinguish between the private and public domains. The rise of sophisticated cybercrimes that use the very tools meant to connect us is the price paid for this unparalleled convenience. Sextortion, a portmanteau of “sex’ and “extortion”, stands out among them as a particularly pernicious kind of internet exploitation. Under the threat of disclosing their private information, photos, or videos, people are forced to engage in sexual behaviours or provide intimate content. Sextortion’s psychological component is what makes it particularly harmful, it feeds on social stigma, shame, and fear, which discourage victims from reporting the crime and feed the cycle of victimisation and silence. This cybercrime targets vulnerable people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and is not limited by age, gender, or location.
The Economy of Shame: Sextortion as a Cybercrime Industry
A news report from June 03, 2025, reveals a sextortion racket busted in Delhi, where a money trail of over Rs. 5 crore was identified by different teams of the Crime branch. From synthetic financial identities to sextortion and other cyber frauds, a recipe for a sophisticated cybercrime chain was found. To believe this is an aberration is to overlook the reality that it is symptomatic of a much wider and largely uncharted criminal framework. According to the FBI’s 2024 IC3 report, “extortion (including sextortion)” has skyrocketed to 86,415 complaints with losses of $143 million reported in the United States (US) alone. This indicates that coercive image-based threats are no longer an isolated cybercrime but an everyday occurrence. Sextortion is no longer an isolated cybercrime; it has metamorphosed into a systematic, industrialised criminal enterprise. Another news report dated 19th July, 2025, where Delhi Police has detained four people suspected of participating in a sextortion scheme that targeted a resident of the Bhagwanpur Khera neighbourhood of Shahdara. The suspected people were allegedly arrested on a complaint wherein the victim was manipulated and fell prey to a dating site.
The threat is amplified by the usage of deepfake technology, which allows offenders to create obscene content that looks believable. The approach, which relies on the stigma attached to sexual imagery in conservative societies like India, is that victims frequently give in to requests out of fear of damaging their reputations. The combination of cybercrime and cutting-edge technology highlights the lopsided power that criminals possess, leaving victims defenceless and law enforcement unable to keep up.
Legal Remedies and the Evolving Battle Against Sextortion
Given the complexity of these crimes, India has recognised sextortion and similar cyber-enabled financial crimes under a number of legal frameworks. A change to recognising cyber-enabled sexual exploitation as an organised criminal business is shown by the introduction of specific provisions like Section 111 in the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which classifies organised cybercrimes including extortion and frauds which fall under its expansive interpretation, as a serious offence. Similarly, Section 318 (2) criminalises cheating with a maximum sentence of three years in prison or a fine, whereas Section 336 (2) makes digital forgery a crime with a maximum sentence with a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine. In addition to these regulations, cheating by personation through computer resources is punishable by the Information Technology Act, 2000, specifically Section 66D, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a maximum fine of Rs. 1 lakh. Due to issues with attribution, cross-border jurisdiction, and the discreet nature of digital evidence, enforcement is still inconsistent even with current statutory restrictions.
The government and its agencies recognise that laws achieve real impact only when backed by awareness initiatives and accessible, localised mechanisms for redressal. Several Indian states and the Department of Telecommunications launched numerous campaigns to educate the public about and safeguard their mobile communication assets against identity theft, financial fraud, and cyberscams. Initiatives like Cyber Saathi Initiative and Cyber Dost by MHA, with the goal of improving forensic and victim reporting skills.
Conclusion
At CyberPeace, we understand that the best defence against online abuse is prevention. Our goal is to provide people with the information and resources to identify, avoid and report sextortion attempts like CyberPeace Helpline and organise awareness campaigns on safe digital habits. In order to remain updated with the constantly looming danger, our research and policy advocacy also focus on developing more robust legal and technological safeguards.
To every reader: think before you share, secure your accounts, and never let shame silence you. If you or someone you know becomes a victim, report it immediately, help is available, and justice is possible. Together we can reclaim the internet as a space of trust, not terror.
References
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-police-busts-sextortion-cyberfraud-rackets-6-held-101748959601825.html
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-police-arrests-four-for-sextortion-and-blackmail-in-shahdara/articleshow/122767656.cms
- https://cdn.ncw.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CyberSaheli.pdf
