‘19-minute viral video’ gets a new twist: The reality may be far more shocking and scary than you can imagine

A puzzling trend has emerged in Indian social media this week surrounding the phrase “19-minute viral video.” Discussions have surged despite the actual content of the video remaining unidentified. This has led to random influencers being wrongfully implicated as appearing in the clip, which in turn raises concerns about the potential misuse of AI-generated deepfakes.
The situation escalated when one influencer found her comment section flooded with references to the video, prompting her to clarify the misunderstanding. In a video that has garnered over 16 million views, she urged viewers to compare her appearance to that of the woman in the viral clip, stating that assumptions about her involvement were unfounded. This incident highlights ongoing anxieties regarding the rapid spread of misinformation online.
Amidst mounting speculation, discussions have shifted towards the possibility that the video might not even feature real individuals at all, as AI-generated content labeled “Season 2” and “Season 3” has started to circulate. The incident echoes past events in India, notably a case involving a fictitious Instagram account driven by manipulated imagery that led to legal repercussions.
Authorities in Assam arrested an individual who allegedly created a false identity through AI tools to harass an ex-partner. Investigations into these cases underline the sophisticated use of technology in creating deceptive visuals that can significantly impact individuals’ reputations and mental health.