Unmasking Venezuelan Victory Footage and AI Images of Nicolás Maduro.
Computer-created pictures claiming to portray Nicolás Maduro in custody following his capture by the US have gained many millions of views across the internet.
The Way Fake Pictures of the President Surfaced Rapidly
The first fabricated AI image seemingly showing him taken off a aircraft emerged shortly after. This image was absent from any verified government accounts; it was instead published on X by an account purporting to be an “AI video art enthusiast”.
We’ve checked Google’s SynthID, determining the image was generated or edited with generative AI.
Further AI-generated images started circulating in the following period, purporting to present additional perspectives of Maduro in custody. Visible logos on these pictures show they originated from an Instagram account called ultravfx.
AI analysis says these additional pictures were likewise generated or edited Google AI.
Real Photo Posted but Fabrications Persisted
The former US president shared the initial authentic image of Maduro handcuffed aboard the US Navy ship on Saturday morning. Yet following the authentic image was published, AI-generated images continued to spread but were modified to include the grey tracksuit worn by Maduro.
Online investigation reveal these altered fabrications were first posted on the video platform by a graphic design account. Similarly, SynthID confirms these further images were generated or edited AI tools.
Important Facts:
- Deepfakes spread rapidly after the events of Maduro's capture.
- The first fake image appeared within hours on platform X.
- Detection software like AI-watermark detectors were used to confirm the images as AI-generated.
- Fabrications continued to circulate and evolve even after the publication of real images.
- The source of several fakes was traced to social media accounts focused on graphic design.
