PIB Exposes Deepfake Video Targeting Indian Army Spread by Pakistani Propaganda Accounts

A Pakistani disinformation campaign using deepfake technology to target the Indian Army has been exposed by India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government’s official communication arm. The fabricated video, which had been circulating across social media platforms, was flagged by PIB’s fact-checking unit as part of its ongoing efforts to combat digital misinformation.

The deepfake video, which attempted to portray Indian military personnel in a negative light, represents the latest escalation in cross-border information warfare between the two neighboring nuclear powers. Intelligence officials familiar with the matter indicate that the video originated from accounts with established links to Pakistani propaganda networks.

“This incident highlights the evolving nature of security threats in the digital age,” said cybersecurity analyst Rahul Sharma. “Deepfakes present a particularly dangerous challenge as they can appear convincingly authentic to the untrained eye.”

PIB identified several technical inconsistencies in the video that revealed its fabricated nature, including unnatural lip movements, audio-visual synchronization issues, and digital artifacts typical of AI-generated content. The bureau released a detailed analysis on its official channels to help citizens identify similar manipulated media in the future.

This case comes amid growing concerns about the proliferation of deepfake technology across South Asia. According to a recent report by the Digital Forensics Research Institute, there has been a 300% increase in deepfake videos targeting military and government institutions in the region over the past year alone.

The Indian Army spokesperson issued a statement urging the public to verify information through official channels before sharing content online. “Malicious actors are increasingly using sophisticated technology to undermine public trust in institutions. Citizens must remain vigilant and critical of the content they consume,” the statement read.

International relations experts note that this incident reflects the broader geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which have historically used various propaganda tactics against each other. However, the application of advanced AI technology represents a significant evolution in these tactics.

“What we’re seeing is the weaponization of artificial intelligence for information warfare,” explained Dr. Meenakshi Gupta, professor of international relations at Delhi University. “Unlike traditional propaganda, deepfakes can create ‘evidence’ of events that never occurred, making them particularly dangerous in conflict zones or tense geopolitical situations.”

The Indian government has recently proposed amendments to the Information Technology Act that would specifically address deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media. The proposed legislation would impose severe penalties for creating or distributing manipulated content intended to harm national security or public order.

Technology companies operating in India have also come under pressure to implement more robust detection mechanisms. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, announced last month that it had removed over 500 accounts linked to coordinated inauthentic behavior originating from Pakistan, many of which were distributing manipulated media targeting Indian institutions.

Cybersecurity experts warn that as AI technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, distinguishing between genuine and manipulated content will become increasingly challenging. “We’re in an arms race between deepfake creation and detection technologies,” said Vikram Mehta, director of a Bangalore-based digital security firm. “Public education about digital literacy is just as important as technical solutions.”

The PIB has expanded its fact-checking operations in recent months, establishing dedicated teams to monitor and debunk misinformation targeting government institutions. The bureau encourages citizens to report suspicious content through its portal for verification.

This incident serves as a reminder of how emerging technologies can be misused in long-standing regional conflicts, adding a new digital dimension to traditional security concerns between India and Pakistan. As deepfake technology continues to evolve, the challenge of maintaining information integrity will likely remain at the forefront of national security priorities.