Unmasking Venezuela Celebration Videos and AI Images of Nicolás Maduro.
Computer-created pictures purporting to show Nicolás Maduro in custody after his apprehension by the American authorities have garnered many millions of impressions on social media.
How Fake Pictures of the President Appeared Soon After
The first fake AI image seemingly showing him led off a plane circulated within hours. This image was not shared any official government accounts; it was instead posted on X by an account purporting to be an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.
Our analysis used an AI-watermark detector, confirming the image was generated or edited with generative AI.
Additional AI-generated visuals were disseminated in the subsequent period, seemingly depicting more angles of the leader detained. Discernible logos on these pictures show they came from an Instagram profile called ultravfx.
AI analysis says the further images were likewise generated or edited Google AI.
Real Photo Posted but Fabrications Continued
Donald Trump shared the initial authentic image of Nicolás Maduro restrained aboard the US Navy ship on that morning. Yet following this confirmation was published, synthetic pictures kept circulating but were updated to show the grey athletic wear seen on Maduro.
Reverse image searches reveal the new fake images were first posted on the video platform by a digital art account. Once again, the AI-watermark detector confirms these further images were generated or edited Google AI.
Key Points:
- AI-generated content circulated quickly after the events of the president's apprehension.
- The first fake picture appeared very quickly on social media.
- Detection software like AI-watermark detectors were used to confirm the images as inauthentic.
- Fake images continued to circulate and be updated despite the publication of authentic photographs.
- The source of several fabricated images was traced to social media profiles dedicated to graphic design.
