PIB Fact-Check Unit Debunks AI-Generated Deepfakes of PM Modi and Ministers

The government's Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-check unit has debunked multiple doctored videos circulating on social media that falsely depict Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Piyush Goyal making threatening remarks against students protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak controversy.

In a post on X, the PIB fact-check unit clarified that the clips are AI-generated deepfakes and do not reflect the actual statements of the leaders. It specifically attributed the dissemination of these manipulated videos to Pakistani propaganda accounts, stating: "Pakistani propaganda accounts are circulating a video of Prime Minister @narendramodi featuring fabricated statements that he never made regarding the protest in Delhi."

The fact-check unit noted that the original video shared by PM Modi had been digitally altered to create a misleading version. It shared a link to the unedited original video posted by the Prime Minister. In the authentic video, PM Modi addressed viewers as "Friends," spoke about the difficulties caused by the paper leak for students and parents, and assured that those responsible had been arrested and steps were being taken to prevent loss of an academic year. He also mentioned provisions for fast-track courts to be taken up by the Union cabinet.

One manipulated clip showed PM Modi supposedly saying: "We are warning people against participating in the Cockroach Janata Party protest. Those who defy this warning will face strict action..." Another deepfake depicted him saying: "What is the problem with these cockroaches? Even if one paper gets leaked, what is the big deal?" The PIB clarified these remarks were fabricated. The original video, posted on the Prime Minister's social media account, had garnered 334 million views on Instagram.

Similarly, a digitally altered video of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was flagged, which falsely showed him saying: "Big leaders do not resign because of these cockroaches; they crush them under their shoes..." The PIB stated: "Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan did not make any such statement." The original video was from an occasion unrelated to the protests.

The fact-check unit also debunked manipulated videos of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. These deepfakes have surfaced amid ongoing protests by student groups demanding accountability and the resignation of the education minister over the alleged NEET paper leaks.

The PIB urged the public to verify information before sharing and to rely on official sources for accurate news.