Debunking Venezuelan Victory Videos and AI-Generated Pictures of Nicolás Maduro.
AI-generated graphics purporting to depict Nicolás Maduro in custody following his apprehension by the US have amassed countless of views online.
How Fake Pictures of Maduro Emerged Within Hours
Initial inauthentic AI image apparently displaying him being escorted off a aircraft emerged shortly after. The picture was not shared any official government accounts; rather, it was published on the platform X by an profile purporting to be an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.
Our analysis used an AI-watermark detector, confirming the picture was created or altered with AI tools.
More AI-generated visuals began to spread in the following hours, purporting to present additional perspectives of the leader in custody. Noticeable watermarks on these images indicate they were posted by an Instagram account named ultravfx.
AI analysis says all of these images were similarly generated or edited generative models.
Authentic Image Released but Fabrications Persisted
Donald Trump posted the first real photo of Nicolás Maduro restrained aboard the US Navy ship on that morning. However, despite the authentic image was published, synthetic pictures kept circulating but were altered to include the gray sweatsuit worn by Maduro.
Digital forensics show these updated fakes were first posted on the video platform by a digital art profile. Once again, SynthID says the new graphics were created or altered AI tools.
Important Facts:
- AI-generated content gained traction following the announcement of the president's apprehension.
- The first fake image was shared within hours on platform X.
- Tools like AI-watermark detectors were used to verify the pictures as synthetic.
- Fabrications continued to spread and evolve despite the release of real photographs.
- The source of many fabricated images was linked to specific online profiles dedicated to AI art.
