Debunking Venezuela Celebration Footage and AI-Generated Pictures of Nicolás Maduro.
Computer-created pictures claiming to show Nicolás Maduro in custody following his capture by the United States have garnered tens of millions of views on social media.
The Way AI Images of Maduro Emerged Within Hours
The first fake synthetic picture seemingly displaying him taken off a plane circulated within hours. This image was not shared any verified government accounts; it was instead uploaded on the platform X by an account describing itself as an “AI video art enthusiast”.
Our analysis used an AI-watermark detector, confirming the picture was produced or modified with AI tools.
Further synthetic pictures started circulating in the subsequent period, purporting to present different views of the leader detained. Visible identifying marks on these pictures indicate they were posted by an Instagram account named ultravfx.
AI analysis says these additional pictures were also generated or edited generative models.
Real Photo Posted but Fakes Persisted
Donald Trump shared the genuine photograph of Maduro restrained aboard the US Navy ship on Saturday morning. But even after the authentic image was released, synthetic pictures kept circulating but were updated to incorporate the grey athletic wear worn by Maduro.
Reverse image searches reveal these altered fabrications were initially shared on TikTok by a digital art account. Similarly, analysis says these further images were created or altered Google AI.
Important Facts:
- AI-generated content gained traction following the announcement of the president's apprehension.
- The initial fabricated image appeared on the same day on platform X.
- Tools like AI-watermark detectors were used to verify the images as AI-generated.
- Fake images continued to circulate and be updated despite the publication of real images.
- The origin of several fakes was traced to social media accounts dedicated to graphic design.
