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The Rise of AI-Generated Misinformation Challenges Fact-Checkers in India
It’s AI’s world, and we’re just living in it.
This sentiment rings increasingly true as generative artificial intelligence transforms the landscape of information—and misinformation—across India. While warnings about AI’s potential impact have circulated for years, 2025 marked a turning point when fact-checkers in the country directly confronted an unprecedented wave of AI-generated content and deepfakes.
The statistics are alarming. Alt News, a leading fact-checking organization in India, investigated 39 AI-generated videos or images in 2025—a staggering 457% increase from just seven such cases the previous year. More concerning still, in 10 instances, these fabricated materials were actively amplified by political parties, politicians, or media outlets as if they were authentic.
As large language models and image generation tools become increasingly accessible to the public, AI has emerged as one of the most significant vectors for spreading disinformation. For influencers and content creators prioritizing engagement over accuracy, generative AI offers an irresistible shortcut to viral content. But the consequences of this technology extend far beyond harmless photo manipulation.
Perhaps the most troubling trend has been the weaponization of AI for communal propaganda. In September, BJP Assam’s official X account shared an AI-generated video depicting a dystopian “Assam without BJP”—showing Muslim “infiltrators” overrunning the state, taking over government land, and crowding public spaces. The 31-second clip, which warned viewers that without BJP, Assam would become 90% Muslim, garnered 5 million views before being deleted amid public backlash and FIR filings.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. BJP Bengal and BJP Delhi followed with similar AI-generated videos in December that portrayed Muslims as invaders changing the cultural landscape. One video featuring fictional Bengali characters Goopy and Bagha showed Kolkata with Urdu signage and only Muslim residents, while another compared Muslims to pests being driven away by mosquito repellent.
Political misuse of AI crossed party lines. The Aam Aadmi Party shared an AI-generated video purporting to show the “royal palace” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the Central Vista Project. The video, featuring lavish interiors and luxury items, carried a watermark from “Sora,” an OpenAI video creation tool, confirming its artificial origin.
Mainstream media outlets have not been immune to the trend. In December, major news organizations including India Today, Hindustan Times, ABP News, and Zee News published reports based on a digitally manipulated video supposedly showing Aleema Khanum, sister of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, calling Pakistan’s Army Chief a “radicalised Islamist.” Alt News investigation revealed the clip featured AI-generated audio and altered lip-syncing.
Similar instances occurred throughout the year: a morphed photo linking the attacker of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to AAP MLA Gopal Italia was broadcast by Republic Bharat and Aaj Tak; an AI-generated video of a lioness approaching a sleeping man was reported as authentic by Republic and News18; and a fabricated clip of a tiger attacking a man in Maharashtra went viral on messaging platforms.
Perhaps most concerning is how AI has become a convenient scapegoat for authentic content that public figures wish to disavow. When a clip of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval discussing ISI recruitment practices surfaced, he quickly claimed it was a deepfake. Alt News traced the footage to a 2014 lecture predating widespread deepfake technology. Similarly, when YouTuber Elvish Yadav posted a vlog showing police escorts in Rajasthan, authorities responded by filing an FIR against him, claiming the video was “edited with AI” despite lacking evidence to support this assertion.
As India approaches major elections in 2026, the threat of generative AI as a weapon for shaping public perception has never been more serious. The challenge becomes increasingly complex as the technology rapidly improves—anomalies that were easily spotted in deepfakes just months ago are now undetectable, and AI-detection tools remain far from foolproof.
The most effective defense against this new form of propaganda may be surprisingly low-tech: critical thinking, common sense, and restraint. As Alt News researchers note, generative AI doesn’t need reality to be convincing; it only needs to align with existing prejudices and expectations. Beyond technical solutions like reverse image searches and AI detectors lies the fundamental need for digital literacy and healthy skepticism.
In an era where seeing can no longer be believing, vigilance is no longer optional—it’s essential. As one Alt News investigator put it, “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet” is no longer just cautious advice; it’s a survival skill for navigating our rapidly evolving information ecosystem.
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12 Comments
This is a sobering reminder of the need for robust digital literacy and critical thinking skills among the public. Empowering people to identify and resist AI-generated misinformation is key to maintaining a healthy information ecosystem.
Absolutely. Educating the public on the risks of AI-driven disinformation and equipping them with the tools to verify information should be a top priority.
The problem of AI-generated misinformation is not unique to India. It’s a global issue that requires a coordinated response from tech companies, governments, and civil society. Fact-checking alone may not be enough.
That’s a good point. This is a complex challenge that will likely need a multi-faceted approach to effectively address. Collaboration across different stakeholders will be crucial.
While the rise of AI-generated misinformation is concerning, I’m curious to know what specific actions fact-checking organizations and policymakers are taking to address this challenge. What are the most promising solutions on the horizon?
That’s a great question. I’m also interested in learning more about the strategies and approaches being developed to counter the spread of AI-powered disinformation. Identifying effective solutions will be crucial.
I can see why this is such a major issue. With AI tools becoming more accessible, it’s easy for bad actors to create and amplify false content. This really undermines the ability to have informed public discourse.
Agreed, the ease with which misinformation can spread is very concerning. Fact-checkers have their work cut out for them in trying to combat this growing threat.
I’m curious to know more about the specific tactics and techniques used by political parties and media outlets to amplify these AI-generated fabrications. Understanding the modus operandi could help develop better countermeasures.
That’s a great question. Gaining more insights into the amplification methods could definitely inform strategies to disrupt the spread of this kind of disinformation.
This is quite concerning. The scale and impact of AI-generated disinformation in India is alarming. Fact-checkers are really facing an uphill battle against this growing threat to truth and accountability.
You’re right, the statistics on the rise in AI-generated misinformation are staggering. It’s a real challenge for organizations like Alt News to keep up.