Fact Check: Viral Video Of Elon Musk Promising Free Internet To Indians In Case Of War Is AI-Generated
Vishvas News’ investigation revealed that the audio attributed to Elon Musk in the viral video is not real and was generated using AI.
- By: Pallavi Mishra
- Published: May 9, 2025 at 04:20 PM
New Delhi (Vishvas News): Amidst the rising tension between India and Pakistan, a video has gone viral on social media claiming that SpaceX and Starlink owner Elon Musk has offered to provide free internet to Indians if a war broke out between the two nations.
Vishvas News investigated the viral claim and found it to be false. The video is fake, with altered audio. The original video dates back to 2023 and bears no connection to the current situation.
What is viral?
Instagram user ‘aadi.__says’ shared the viral video (archive link) on May 5, 2025. In the video, Donald Trump is heard saying, “I hope the world becomes peaceful. But if a war breaks out between India and Pakistan, I will provide free internet to the people of India through my Starlink so that they face no issues in communication.”
Investigation
A reverse image search led us to the original video, uploaded on the official YouTube channel of HBO’s talk show ’Real Time with Bill Maher’ on Apr 29, 2023. After reviewing the full video, it was evident that Musk discussed topics such as technology’s impact, free speech concerns, Twitter’s role, and AI regulation. He also shared personal insights on work and happiness. Nowhere did he mention India or Pakistan.
We also found the full transcript of this entire interview on a website titled Elon Musk Interviews.
We contacted our partner, Deepfakes Analysis Unit (DAU), an initiative of the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA), regarding the viral clip. DAU’s expert team analysed the audio using their detection tool, Deepfake-o-meter, which indicated that the audio was synthetic, with 6 out of its 7 classifiers identifying it as AI-generated.
We also contacted Azahar Machwe, a researcher specialising in AI and emerging technology, to verify the authenticity of the video. He confirmed signs of AI manipulation in the video, citing inconsistencies in the movement of Musk’s upper teeth as a key indicator.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity, particularly in remote and rural areas where conventional internet infrastructure is limited or unreliable.
On May 7, 2025, SpaceX’s Starlink received a Letter of Intent from the Indian Department of Telecommunications after agreeing to meet key security requirements. The company has partnered with Airtel and Jio to distribute its high-speed, low-latency satellite internet, aiming to connect rural areas in India. Further details can be found in the linked reports.
The Instagram user ‘aadi.__says’, who shared the edited video, has around 1000 followers.
Conclusion: Vishvas News’ investigation revealed that the audio attributed to Elon Musk in the viral video is not real and was generated using AI.
- Claim Review : Elon Musk has offered to provide free internet to Indians if a war broke out between the two nations.
- Claimed By : Instagram user ‘aadi.__says’
- Fact Check : False
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