Indian Army launches @MythbusterXX fact-check account to counter deepfakes
Synopsis
The Indian Army has launched @MythbusterXX, a dedicated social media fact-check account, after Pakistani propaganda networks used AI-generated deepfakes to fabricate statements by both the serving Army chief and a former one. It is a rare institutional pivot — from reactive denials to a permanent, named rebuttal channel — and signals how seriously the military now treats the deepfake threat.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Army launched official fact-check account @MythbusterXX on 25 June to counter military-related disinformation.
The account will address misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, and deepfakes targeting the Army.
On 1 June , a PIB Fact Check debunked an AI-generated deepfake video falsely showing General Upendra Dwivedi making remarks about India and the Taliban.
A separate deepfake video falsely attributed controversial statements to former Army chief General Manoj Pande (Retd.) .
Both incidents were linked to Pakistani propaganda accounts , according to official PIB statements.
The public has been urged: 'Verify before you amplify.
Trust only official sources.'
The Indian Army on Thursday, 25 June officially launched a dedicated fact-check account on social media, urging citizens to verify information before sharing anything related to the military. The move follows a string of AI-generated deepfake videos circulated by Pakistani propaganda accounts that falsely attributed controversial statements to senior Army commanders.
The Official Fact-Check Account
The Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of Ministry of Defence (Army) announced the launch of @MythbusterXX as the Army's official fact-check handle. The announcement read: 'Follow @MythbusterXX for verified updates, swift rebuttals, Misinformation, Disinformation, Malinformation, and Deepfakes pertaining to the Indian Army.'
The Army's advisory urged the public to 'Be Aware and Stay Alert. Verify before you amplify. Trust only official sources. Stand with truth.' The account is positioned as a single authoritative source for countering false narratives targeting the armed forces.
The Deepfake Incidents That Triggered the Move
On 1 June, the fact-checking unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) flagged a digitally manipulated video falsely depicting Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, making remarks about India allegedly funding the Taliban. The PIB stated clearly: 'This claim is fake. Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi did NOT make any such statement. The viral clip has been digitally manipulated to falsely attribute remarks to the Chief of the Army Staff.'
In a separate earlier incident, AI-generated content attributed to former Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande (Retd.) was also circulated online. A PIB Fact Check confirmed that the video 'falsely portrays Gen. Manoj Pande (Retd.) making controversial remarks regarding the functioning and conduct of the Indian Army,' adding: 'Beware! This is an AI-generated deepfake video.'
The Broader Disinformation Pattern
Both incidents point to a coordinated pattern, according to official statements — Pakistani propaganda accounts deploying AI deepfake technology to manufacture statements by senior Indian military figures on sensitive geopolitical issues. The targeting of Army chiefs, both serving and retired, signals an escalation in the sophistication of such influence operations.
Notably, this is not the first time the PIB's fact-check unit has had to counter military-related disinformation. However, the Army's decision to establish a dedicated social media rebuttal account marks a structural shift — moving from reactive clarifications to proactive, real-time counter-messaging.
What This Means for the Public
Citizens and journalists are being advised to cross-check any video or statement attributed to Indian Army officials against the @MythbusterXX handle and other official Army channels before sharing. The Army's advisory underscores the growing risk of AI-enabled disinformation in the information ecosystem surrounding national security narratives.
As deepfake technology becomes more accessible and harder to detect, the Army's institutional response sets a precedent that other defence and government bodies may follow in the months ahead.
Point of View
Both deepfake incidents targeted Army chiefs on the specific flashpoint of Taliban engagement — suggesting the disinformation is strategically calibrated, not opportunistic. Counter-messaging must match that strategic intent, not just flag individual videos.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian Army's @MythbusterXX account?
@MythbusterXX is the Indian Army's official social media fact-check account, launched on 25 June to provide verified updates and rebuttals against misinformation, disinformation, and AI deepfakes targeting the military. It is operated by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information under the Ministry of Defence.
Why did the Indian Army launch a dedicated fact-check account?
The account was launched following multiple AI-generated deepfake videos that falsely attributed statements to senior Army commanders, including the serving Chief of the Army Staff. Pakistani propaganda accounts were identified as the source of these manipulated videos, according to PIB fact-checks.
What was the deepfake video involving General Upendra Dwivedi?
On 1 June, a digitally manipulated video falsely depicted Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi making remarks about India's alleged engagement with the Taliban. The PIB confirmed the video was fake and that General Dwivedi made no such statement.
Was a former Army chief also targeted by deepfakes?
Yes. A separate AI-generated deepfake video falsely showed former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande (Retd.) making controversial remarks about the Indian Army's conduct. A PIB Fact Check confirmed the video was manipulated and that General Pande made no such statement.
How can citizens verify information about the Indian Army?
Citizens are advised to follow @MythbusterXX on social media and cross-check any video or statement attributed to Army officials against official Army channels. The Army's advisory is: 'Verify before you amplify. Trust only official sources.'
