Ahead of Raksha Bandhan, a viral video has popped up on the internet which shows a functional QR code on a woman's hand-drawn using henna. In the video, a man scanned the mehendi QR code using the Paytm app which redirected hi to the payment window. While many applauded the idea, others tried imitating it. Raksha Bandhan was celebrated on 30th August this year.
A person shared the video on Twitter with the caption, "Heights of heights of Digital revolution in India !!! UPI QR code in Mehndi design."
India TV found that the clip was edited and not an original video of the QR app actually opening up.
The viral video
The viral video was shared by an account, yash_mehndi on Instagram. The video was shared on August 28 with the caption, "From now on Rakhi payments will take place online."
India TV came to know that the mehendi artist had shot and edited the video and that it was not original. Reports stated that the idea for the QR code mehendi came from trending videos of sisters presenting QR codes to their brothers while tying rakhis. The reel was made for fun while the conversation heard in the video can is between the mehendi artist and his sister, reports said.
What was the trick?
According to the Mehendi artist, he used two screens for recording the reel. In the first video, he scanned the mehendi QR using a Paytm app while in teh second screen he scanned a working QR code that redirected him to a payment portal. The two clips were later combined.
The mehendi artist used a random QR code from the internet for the reel. This shows that although QR codes are a viral trend now, they are not functional at all.
The use of AI to create fake images is becoming increasingly common. It is important to be aware of these images and to be critical of the information that you see online.
Here are some tips for spotting fake images:
- Look for inconsistencies in the image. For example, are the shadows in the wrong place? Are the colors unrealistic?
- Check the source of the image. Is it from a reputable website or social media account?
- Do a reverse image search. This will help you to find out where the image has been used before.
- If you are unsure about the authenticity of an image, it is best to avoid sharing it.
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