A viral rumor claiming a global internet shutdown on January 16, 2025, has been spreading across social media. This false theory suggests that the entire world, including India, will lose internet access that day. Many people have linked this claim to an episode of The Simpsons, which supposedly predicted “Internet Blackout Day” on this date.

However, it’s crucial to debunk this fabrication. The viral claims, especially those that mention Donald Trump’s supposed inauguration on January 16, are misleading. In reality, Trump is slated to take the presidential oath on January 20, not January 16. Therefore, the supposed worldwide internet outage is entirely baseless.

Despite the absurdity of the rumors, some social media users are humorously embracing the prediction from The Simpsons. Memes and clips are being shared, with many jokingly suggesting that they’ll be watching to see if the blackout actually occurs.

Meanwhile, the government is taking proactive steps to alert the public about rising cases of online financial fraud and digital arrests. However, scammers are also adapting, now posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). These fraudsters are contacting victims, using language similar to genuine government warnings about digital scams.

It’s essential to stay informed and not fall for unfounded rumors. Be cautious and help spread the word to prevent confusion.