AI deepfake video of Indian minister spreads during NEET protests
An AI-generated deepfake video falsely depicted Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal making threatening remarks against students protesting examination irregularities. The video was circulated on social media by accounts allegedly linked to Pakistani propaganda before being removed by authorities after Goyal filed a police complaint.
What happened
An AI-generated deepfake video of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal surfaced on social media, falsely portraying him as making threatening remarks against students protesting over NEET examination irregularities.
According to the Press Information Bureau, Pakistani propaganda accounts were circulating the manipulated video. The video showed altered remarks that Goyal had originally made to the media outside Parliament.
Reported impact
Goyal alleged that his remarks were "maliciously" altered using AI technology to spread misinformation and mislead the public about his position on the student protests.
Governance controls
After Goyal filed a police complaint, an FIR (No. 123/26) was registered at Chanakyapuri Police Station on July 25, 2026 at 4:35 AM.
Government sources reported that many social media links carrying the deepfake video were removed following the complaint.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.