Cyber Security

How to spot AI-generated misinformation before you share it

A short field guide for anyone in a family WhatsApp group. Practical, non-technical tests to run before you forward that shocking clip.

Bharat AI Sathi Editorial18 March 2026 6 min read

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How to spot AI-generated misinformation before you share it — Bharat AI Sathi

Every family group in India has become a distribution channel for misinformation. Here's a simple checklist to break the cycle.

Ask three questions 1. Who is the primary source? (Not "a friend sent it" — the original creator.) 2. When was it posted? A 2019 protest video re-shared today is de facto misinformation. 3. What would I lose by waiting 24 hours to share?

Reverse-search everything Google Lens on the image. YouTube search a distinctive quote. If a mainstream outlet hasn't picked it up in 24 hours, it's probably not what it claims.

Report, don't rage Report the message to WhatsApp (long-press → Report). Forward to PIB Fact Check (+91-8799711259). Then, if you want, respond in the group with the correction.

The best filter is you Don't be the person who forwards first. Be the person who waits.

Editorial note. This article was written by the Bharat AI Sathi editorial team following our Editorial Policy and AI Usage Policy. Spot a factual error? Email editorial@bharataisathi.com.

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How to spot AI-generated misinformation before you share it

Ask three questions 1. Who is the primary source? (Not "a friend sent it" — the original creator.) 2. When was it posted? A 2019 protest video re-shared today is de facto misinformation. 3. What would I lose by waiting 24 hours to share?

Reverse-search everything Google Lens on the image. YouTube search a distinctive quote. If a mainstream outlet hasn't picked it up in 24 hours, it's probably not what it claims.

Report, don't rage Report the message to WhatsApp (long-press → Report). Forward to PIB Fact Check (+91-8799711259). Then, if you want, respond in the group with the correction.

The best filter is you Don't be the person who forwards first. Be the person who waits.

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