PIB debunks AI deepfake video falsely showing Dharmendra Pradhan is resigning

PIB's Fact Check Unit said an AI-generated video falsely claimed Dharmendra Pradhan was resigning. The agency urged people to rely on official sources and report suspicious government-related content.

In Short

• PIB shared the original video link to counter the altered clip
• The bureau urged people to trust only official sources for verification
• Users were asked to report suspicious central government content through official channels

The Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check Unit on Saturday debunked AI-generated deepfake video circulating on social media that falsely said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is resigning from his post.

In a post on X, the PIB said the video had been digitally altered and clarified that Pradhan "did not make any such statement."

WHAT DID THE FAKE VIDEO SAY

In the fake video, Dharmendra Pradhan is shown saying: "I am resigning from my post of Education Minister for personal reasons. I thank everyone for the opportunity."

The agency shared the link to the original, unedited video to counter the misinformation and urged the public to be cautious of manipulated content, relying only on official sources for verified information. It also appealed to users to help stop the spread of misinformation by reporting suspicious content related to the Central Government to the PIB Fact Check Unit via its WhatsApp helpline at +91 8799711259 or email at factcheck@pib.gov.in.

The deepfakes surfaced amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in national-level examinations, particularly NEET, with students demanding accountability and systemic reforms in the conduct of competitive exams. The manipulated clips falsely showed the Prime Minister making threatening remarks against demonstrators, which the PIB said were entirely fabricated.

The PIB Fact Check Unit reiterated that it verifies only information related to the Government of India and encouraged citizens to report suspicious content through its official fact-checking channels instead of amplifying unverified claims.

The PIB Fact Check Unit regularly verifies claims related to the Central Government and urges users to cross-check viral content with official government handles before sharing it.

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