Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Photo of Bangladeshi man disrespecting Indian national flag.
Fact
Photo found to be AI generated.
An image purportedly showing a man in an Islamic attire stepping on the Indian tricolour while waving the Bangladeshi flag has gone viral on social media amid strained relations between the two countries over attacks on minorities following Sheikh Hasina’s exit.
Multiple X, Facebook and Instagram users shared the viral photo calling out Bangladesh for disrespecting the Indian national flag. Newschecker, however, found that the photo was created using generative AI technology.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here, here and here.
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Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the viral photo, we spotted an extra fragment of cloth seemingly attached to the person’s pants. The person’s toes looked deformed too. Additionally, we noticed the fold lines on the Bangladeshi flag were not fully formed, raising our doubts.
We then ran the image on multiple AI detection platforms to confirm whether it was created using artificial intelligence or shows an actual incident.
AI content detection platform TrueMedia found “substantial evidence of manipulation” in the viral image purportedly showing a Bangladeshi man insulting the Indian national flag.
Sightengine concluded a 73% probability of the viral photograph being generated by AI. Another AI-image detector Hive Moderation showed a 99% likelihood that the image “contain AI-generated or deepfake content.”
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Notably, an image showing students at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in Dhaka walking on the Indian national flag had gone viral last month.
Following the same, Kolkata-based JN Ray Hospital announced that it would not treat Bangladeshi patients. “We have issued a notification that from today (Saturday) till an indefinite time we will not admit any Bangladeshi patient for treatment. This is primarily because of the insults they have shown towards India. Seeing the tricolour being insulted, we have decided to stop treating Bangladeshis,” Dr Subhrangshu Bhakta, a hospital official reportedly said.
Also Read: Viral Images Of Aishwarya Rai And London-Based Businessman Are Edited
Conclusion
Hence, the viral photograph showing a Bangladeshi man disrespecting the Indian national flag was found to be AI generated.
Result: Altered Photo
Sources
TrueMedia Website
Sightengine Website
Hive Moderation Website
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
