As 2025 draws to a close, a series of viral videos and alleged MMS leaks that dominated headlines throughout the year have brought India’s digital privacy challenges into sharp focus. From influencers to private individuals, several people found themselves at the center of online controversies, raising serious concerns about consent, artificial intelligence (AI) misuse, cyber laws and the ethical responsibility of social media users.
19-Minute Viral Video:
One of the most widely discussed incidents emerged in November 2025, when a so-called “19-minute viral video” began circulating rapidly across social media platforms. The clip was allegedly linked to Bengali influencers Dustu Sonali and Sofik SK. While the video spread widely, both denied consenting to its circulation. Speculation soon followed over whether the footage was genuine or an AI-generated deepfake, sparking intense debate on the ease with which private content—real or fabricated—can go viral online.
19-Minute 34-Second Viral Video (Dhunu Joni):
Around the same time, another controversy surfaced involving a 19-minute 34-second video allegedly linked to Assam-based influencer Dhunu Joni. Several reports suggested the video may have been created using AI body-swap technology. Amid growing online scrutiny and trolling, the influencer deactivated all her social media accounts, highlighting the emotional toll such incidents can take.
Payal Gaming Deepfake MMS (Influencer Targeting):
In December 2025, Indian gaming influencer Payal Dhare, popularly known as Payal Gaming, became the latest high-profile name caught in a viral video controversy. A clip allegedly featuring her circulated widely, prompting speculation and online harassment. Payal publicly denied appearing in the video through an Instagram statement, describing the situation as distressing. The Maharashtra Cyber Police later registered a case, with preliminary assessments suggesting the clip was an AI-generated deepfake.
Sweet Zannat 19-minute Video:
Another incident in November 2025 involved Meghalaya-based Instagram creator Sweet Zannat, after an alleged 19-minute private video linked to her spread online. Though details remained unclear, the case added to a growing list of viral MMS scandals reported in a short span of time.
Kajal Kumari Case: (Minors and Misuse of Technology):
Perhaps the most disturbing case involved a 15-year-old girl, Kajal Kumari, whose alleged video went viral in November 2025. Investigations later revealed that the clip had been created using deepfake technology with the intent to defame her. The case reignited concerns about the vulnerability of minors online and the urgent need for stronger safeguards against digital abuse.
Mental Health Impact and Public Reactions:
The ripple effects of these incidents extended beyond those directly involved. Social media personality Anjali Arora spoke publicly about how viral scandals—even when proven fake—can cause lasting damage to mental health and professional careers. She urged users to show empathy and refrain from sharing unverified content, stressing that online actions often have real-world consequences.
2-Minute 17-Second Reaction Video:
Following the Sofik SK controversy, a 2-minute 17-second reaction video also gained traction. In the clip, a woman made an emotional appeal, urging people to stop forwarding unverified videos and warning that such content could be misused or fall into the wrong hands.
A Broader Debate on Digital Ethics:
Together, these incidents fueled a broader national conversation in 2025 around online privacy, digital consent and AI misuse. Cyber experts repeatedly warned that sensationalism and curiosity often drive the spread of such content, despite clear legal risks. Authorities reiterated that sharing explicit or private videos without consent can violate cyber laws and may attract serious criminal charges.
Calls for Reform and Awareness:
As the year ends, content creators, legal experts and cyber safety advocates are calling for stronger regulations, more effective enforcement of existing cyber laws and enhanced digital literacy. The focus, they say, must be on protecting individuals from deepfake technology and unauthorised content sharing, while encouraging social media users to think critically and responsibly before engaging with viral material.
The viral video controversies of 2025 have underscored a troubling digital trend—one where technology outpaces ethics and awareness. As India moves into 2026, the challenge remains to balance innovation with accountability, ensuring the digital space is safer, more responsible and more humane.