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AI-generated pictures purporting to depict Nicolás Maduro under arrest after his capture by the US have amassed countless of views on social media.

The Way AI Images of the President Appeared Soon After

The first fabricated AI image seemingly displaying him being escorted off a plane circulated a brief time later. The picture was not shared any authoritative government accounts; it was instead published on the platform X by an account describing itself as an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.

Our analysis used an AI-watermark detector, confirming the picture was generated or edited with Google AI.

More synthetic images began to spread in the ensuing period, seemingly depicting more angles of Maduro in custody. Visible identifying marks on the graphics indicate they came from an Instagram account called ultravfx.

SynthID confirms these additional pictures were similarly produced using Google AI.

Authentic Image Posted but Fabrications Persisted

The former US president released the initial authentic image of Maduro in handcuffs aboard the USS Iwo Jima on Saturday morning. However, despite this real photo was made public, AI-generated images kept circulating but were updated to incorporate the grey athletic wear seen on Maduro.

Digital forensics show these updated fakes were initially shared on TikTok by a digital art profile. Again, SynthID says these further images were produced with Google AI.

Important Facts:

• Synthetic media spread rapidly after the news of Maduro's capture.
• The initial fabricated image was shared within hours on social media.
• Tools like AI-watermark detectors helped to confirm the pictures as synthetic.
• Fake images persisted to circulate and evolve despite the publication of authentic photographs.
• The origin of many fakes was linked to specific online profiles dedicated to AI art.