Debunking Venezuela Celebration Footage and AI Images of Nicolás Maduro.
Computer-created graphics purporting to depict Nicolás Maduro in custody following his apprehension by the United States have garnered many millions of views on social media.
The Way Fake Pictures of the President Surfaced Rapidly
Initial inauthentic AI image seemingly displaying him taken off a aircraft emerged within hours. This image was not shared any verified US channels; rather, it was uploaded on X by an account purporting to be an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.
Our analysis used an AI-watermark detector, which found the picture was produced or modified with AI tools.
Additional synthetic pictures were disseminated in the subsequent period, purporting to present more angles of the leader in custody. Visible identifying marks on these images indicate they originated from an Instagram profile named ultravfx.
The detection tool confirms all of these pictures were likewise generated or edited AI technology.
Real Photo Posted but Fabrications Persisted
Donald Trump released the initial authentic image of Maduro handcuffed aboard the US Navy ship on Saturday morning. However, despite this real photo was made public, AI-generated images kept circulating but were updated to show the grey athletic wear seen on Maduro.
Online investigation reveal these updated fakes were first posted on the video platform by a digital art account. Once again, the AI-watermark detector confirms these further images were produced with AI tools.
Important Facts:
- Synthetic media circulated quickly following the announcement of the president's apprehension.
- The initial fabricated image was shared on the same day on social media.
- Detection software like AI-watermark detectors were used to identify the images as inauthentic.
- Fake images continued to circulate and evolve despite the publication of real photographs.
- The source of several fabricated images was traced to social media accounts dedicated to graphic design.
