Misinformation Surge During India-Pakistan Conflict

Author: Lynn Frederick Dsouza

Email: lynn.dsouza@espiridi.com

Overview

BBC Verify has conducted a detailed investigation into the surge of misinformation and fake news circulating online following recent military actions between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding the conflict in and around Kashmir. Their reporting highlights a significant wave of misleading videos, recycled images, and fabricated claims that have gone viral on social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter)136.

Key Findings from BBC Verify

• Debunked Viral Videos: Several dramatic videos claiming to show Indian or Pakistani military operations have been proven false.
• Nature and Spread of Misinformation: BBC Verify notes that periods of heightened tension, such as military conflicts, are fertile ground for misinformation. Algorithms on social media platforms tend to amplify sensational content, regardless of its authenticity, leading to rapid and widespread dissemination of false narratives15.
• Amplification by Media and Officials: Some mainstream news channels and journalists inadvertently amplified fake content, further muddying the information environment3.
• Government Response: Fact-checkers, digital forensics teams, and official agencies in both countries have been working continuously to debunk viral falsehoods. The Indian government, for instance, flagged fake advisories and urged citizens to rely only on official sources34.

Examples of Debunked Claims

Sources of Misinformation

• State-sponsored propaganda: Both sides may amplify nationalist narratives or discredit the other.
• Social media echo chambers: Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube serve as rapid conduits.
• Deepfakes and AI-generated content: Increasingly used to impersonate leaders or simulate attacks.
• Media misreporting: Sensationalist or unverified news often gets picked up during chaotic events.
• Botnets and troll armies: Automated accounts may spike trending hashtags to sway perceptions.

Expert Commentary

Eliot Higgins, founder of the investigative site Bellingcat, told BBC Verify:

"It’s quite common to see reused footage during major events, not limited to conflicts. Engagement driven by algorithms favors content that captivates audiences instead of content that is accurate, and videos of conflicts and disasters are particularly compelling, regardless of their authenticity."1

Other Sources on Misinformation During the India-Pakistan Conflict

Multiple independent and governmental sources have corroborated the BBC's findings regarding the widespread misinformation and fake news during the recent India-Pakistan hostilities. Here is a summary of key points from these sources:

DW (Deutsche Welle) Fact Check

• DW found that many viral videos claiming to show Indian missile strikes on Pakistan were actually old or unrelated footage, such as Iranian missile attacks on Israel1.
• The report highlights that social media is flooded with misrepresented and out-of-context videos, often aimed at escalating tensions between the two countries1.

Al Jazeera, CNN, and Reuters

• These outlets report that both India and Pakistan have accused each other of spreading disinformation and propaganda, especially regarding drone and missile attacks236.
• South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman, quoted by Al Jazeera, specifically warned about the rapid spread of disinformation during the conflict and urged reliance on verified sources2.

Indian Government Fact-Checking (PIB and Others)

• The Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India has actively debunked several viral fake videos and claims, including:
• The PIB has issued advisories urging the public to avoid sharing unverified information and to report suspicious content59.

Other Media Outlets

• Business Standard and CNBC-TV18 have also reported on the Indian government’s efforts to debunk fake news, including false claims about strikes on India’s S-400 air defense system89.

Impacts of Misinformation

• Escalation risk: False reports of attacks or casualties can lead to retaliatory action.
• Civil unrest: Misinformation can incite communal tensions or violent protests.
• Diplomatic fallout: International perception may be skewed by viral falsehoods.
• Military miscalculation: Leaders may act on flawed information in real time.

Countermeasures & Preparedness

• Digital literacy campaigns: Promoting fact-checking and source verification.
• Strategic communication cells: Governments must maintain real-time crisis communication with credible updates.
• Bilateral hotlines & military dialogue: Reduce misinterpretation of actions.
• AI-driven misinformation detection tools: Used to monitor and debunk fake content.
• Collaborating with tech platforms: To flag and remove harmful misinformation swiftly.

Strategic Insight

Misinformation is a non-kinetic weapon in modern hybrid warfare. Its use during India-Pakistan conflicts can sway global narratives, manipulate masses, and even influence battlefield outcomes. Building strategic foresight capacities—like real-time horizon scanning and disinformation scenario planning—is vital to national security preparedness.

Conclusion

Reporting confirms a substantial rise in misinformation and fake news during the latest India-Pakistan military tensions. The majority of viral videos and images claiming to show real-time conflict events have been debunked as recycled, misattributed, or entirely fabricated content. BBC Verify and other fact-checkers urge the public to rely on verified, official sources and to be cautious of sensational content circulating on social media136.

For more information please contact: Lynn Frederick Dsouza, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: National Aviation Council, Email: lynn.dsouza@espiridi.com or visit wicci.in