Indian Army Launches Fact Check Account To Combat Deepfakes

The Indian Army on Thursday urged citizens to exercise caution while sharing information related to the military and announced the launch of its official Fact Check Account on social media to counter misinformation and deepfake content.

In a statement, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), said the account, @MythbusterXX, will provide verified updates and issue swift rebuttals against misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and deepfakes concerning the Indian Army.

The Army advised the public to verify information before sharing it and to rely only on official sources.

The initiative aims to strengthen awareness and prevent the spread of misleading content related to national security and defence matters.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of AI-generated deepfake videos falsely attributed to senior Indian Army officials.

On June 1, the government debunked claims circulating through a manipulated video. The video falsely showed Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi making remarks. It wrongly claimed he had commented on India’s engagement with the Taliban.

The PIB’s Fact Check Unit stated that Pakistani propaganda accounts had circulated the digitally altered clip to mislead the public.

Authorities clarified that the Army chief had not made any such statement and confirmed that the video had been manipulated.

In another instance, a deepfake video allegedly featuring former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande (Retd) circulated online by Pakistani propaganda accounts.

The video falsely portrayed him making controversial comments regarding the functioning and conduct of the Indian Army.

The PIB Fact Check Unit later clarified that AI had generated the content. It also said the former Army chief had not made any such remarks.

The Army’s official fact-check account will likely help identify false narratives. It will also ensure the public has access to accurate and verified information.

Also Read: PIB Debunks Viral AI Video Claiming PM Modi Announced Free ACs For Aadhaar Holders