Old Videos, New Outrage: Is Social Media Fueling Protest Tensions?

In the age of viral videos, a few seconds of footage can shape public opinion before the truth has a chance to catch up. The recent Delhi protests over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have highlighted how misleading social media posts can create confusion, anger and mistrust.

On October 10, videos claiming to show scenes from the latest protests at Jantar Mantar circulated widely online. However, fact-checkers found that several clips were old or unrelated to the October demonstrations. Some showed footage from the July 2026 CJP protest, while other videos came from entirely different events.

The problem is bigger than simply sharing the wrong video. When old footage is presented as breaking news, viewers may believe that violence is happening in real time. Such posts can intensify political arguments, damage reputations and make it harder for people to distinguish genuine reporting from misinformation.

Authorities have also raised concerns about misleading and AI-generated content. Delhi Police reportedly removed around 500 social media posts amid the protests, while the Press Information Bureau debunked a video falsely claiming that police had opened fire during the demonstrations.

But there is another important question: who should decide what content stays online? Authorities have a responsibility to address dangerous misinformation, yet any action against online posts should be transparent and open to scrutiny. Criticism of the police or government should not automatically be treated as fake news.

Social media can expose real events that traditional news outlets miss, but it can also spread falsehoods at extraordinary speed.

Before sharing a shocking protest video, check its original source, date and location. In a politically sensitive situation, one misleading clip can distort an entire public debate. The challenge is not just stopping fake news—it is protecting the public’s right to accurate information.