AI Deepfakes Add to Chaos in India-Pakistan Conflict

As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, a surge of AI-generated deepfake videos is intensifying the information war, sowing confusion and mistrust across both nations.

These manipulated clips, often indistinguishable from authentic footage, are rapidly spreading on social media platforms, complicating efforts to discern truth from fabrication.

One notable deepfake featured U.S. President Donald Trump appearing to threaten Pakistan with destruction. Although swiftly debunked by Indian fact-checkers, its initial circulation underscored the potential of AI-driven misinformation to inflame geopolitical tensions.

Another widely shared video falsely depicted India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, issuing an apology. The Press Information Bureau confirmed it as an AI-generated fabrication aimed at misleading the public.

In Pakistan, a deepfake video showed military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif allegedly admitting the loss of two fighter jets to Indian defenses.

The proliferation of such deepfakes is exacerbating the "fog of war," making it increasingly difficult for citizens and officials to navigate the deluge of information.

Experts warn that without robust verification mechanisms and public awareness, AI-generated misinformation could further destabilise an already volatile situation