Is the AI-generated video of President Murmu a Propaganda Tool?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Be cautious of AI-manipulated videos.
- Verify information before sharing.
- Report misinformation through official channels.
- Identify signs of video manipulation.
- Stay informed about government communications.
New Delhi, Oct 29 (NationPress) PIB Fact Check has raised concerns regarding a digitally-manipulated video featuring President Droupadi Murmu. This video is being disseminated by Pakistani propaganda outlets, making misleading assertions that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is exploiting her image to endorse Rafale fighter jets.
In a statement on the social media platform X, PIB Fact Check emphasized: “Pakistani propaganda accounts are sharing a digitally altered video of President Droupadi Murmu, misrepresenting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is using her as a tool to boost Rafale's public relations.”
The altered video showcases an artificial voice impersonating President Murmu, falsely alleging that she is being “blackmailed” by the PM Modi administration to engage in promotions related to Rafale.
Among the fabricated statements included in the clip are: “I want to urge the citizens of our nation that Modi Ji’s Hindutva government blackmailed me and compelled me to support Rafale… If anything occurs to me, Modi Ji and his Hindutva politics will be accountable.”
PIB Fact Check has firmly rejected these allegations, clarifying that “The President of India has NOT made any such remarks.”
Moreover, they cautioned that the video is generated by AI and is being circulated with the aim of misleading the public.
The fact-checking unit also provided a link to the original, unedited video, encouraging users to report such misinformation promptly through official channels via WhatsApp at +91 8799711259 or through email at factcheck@pib.gov.in.
This incident is not an isolated case; the PIB also addressed another instance of AI-generated misinformation on Monday, which involved a manipulated video featuring Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This video falsely advertised an “investment programme” that claimed returns of Rs 60,000 within 24 hours and Rs 10 lakh monthly.
“A video on Facebook inaccurately depicts Union Finance Minister @nsitharaman endorsing an investment programme that promises easy daily earnings. The Finance Minister or the Government of India has NOT initiated or supported any such scheme,” PIB Fact Check affirmed in an official communication.
The agency advised citizens to be vigilant against such “get-rich-quick schemes,” urging them to verify any assertions before making financial choices.
“Avoid falling for such get-rich-quick schemes! Stay vigilant. Stay informed. Always verify before sharing,” PIB cautioned.
PIB also recommended users to look for indicators of video manipulation — like distorted lip movements, mismatched audio sync, inconsistent backgrounds, or fake logos — and to confirm links, ensuring that official government websites conclude with “.gov.in.”