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Computer-created pictures purporting to portray Nicolás Maduro in custody following his apprehension by the US have gained tens of millions of views across the internet.

The Way Fake Pictures of Maduro Emerged Within Hours

Initial inauthentic synthetic picture seemingly displaying him led off a aircraft emerged within hours. The graphic was unpublished by any official government accounts; rather, it was uploaded on the platform X by an account purporting to be an “AI video art enthusiast”.

Our analysis used an AI-watermark detector, determining the image was produced or modified with AI tools.

Additional AI-generated visuals were disseminated in the ensuing period, seemingly depicting more angles of the leader detained. Discernible identifying marks on these pictures indicate they came from an Instagram account named ultravfx.

SynthID confirms these additional images were likewise created or altered generative models.

Authentic Image Posted but Fabrications Continued

The former US president shared the first real photo of Maduro in handcuffs aboard the USS Iwo Jima on that morning. But even after this real photo was released, AI-generated images continued to spread but were updated to include the grey athletic wear worn by Maduro.

Digital forensics reveal the new fake images were initially shared on TikTok by a graphic design profile. Similarly, SynthID says the new graphics were generated or edited generative artificial intelligence.

Important Facts:

• Synthetic media spread rapidly following the news of the president's apprehension.
• The first fake image was shared within hours on platform X.
• Detection software like Google’s SynthID were used to identify the pictures as inauthentic.
• Fabrications persisted to spread and be updated even after the release of real images.
• The source of many fabricated images was traced to specific online profiles focused on AI art.