Unmasking Venezuelan Victory Videos and AI Images of Maduro.
Computer-created images claiming to depict Nicolás Maduro under arrest following his apprehension by the United States have garnered countless of views online.
The Way Fake Pictures of Maduro Emerged Soon After
The first fabricated synthetic picture apparently showing him being escorted off a aircraft surfaced a brief time later. The graphic was unpublished by any authoritative US channels; rather, it was posted on X by an profile describing itself as an “AI video art enthusiast”.
We’ve checked the SynthID tool, determining the image was created or altered with AI tools.
More AI-generated visuals started circulating in the ensuing period, seemingly depicting more angles of the leader detained. Noticeable watermarks on these pictures reveal they were posted by an Instagram account called ultravfx.
AI analysis indicates the further pictures were also created or altered AI technology.
Real Photo Posted but Fakes Persisted
Donald Trump shared the genuine photograph of Maduro handcuffed aboard the USS Iwo Jima on that morning. Yet following this real photo was published, AI-generated images continued to spread but were updated to show the gray sweatsuit worn by Maduro.
Digital forensics reveal these updated fakes were first posted on TikTok by a graphic design profile. Similarly, analysis found the new graphics were produced with AI tools.
Important Facts:
- Deepfakes spread rapidly following the announcement of Maduro's capture.
- The first fake picture was shared within hours on platform X.
- Detection software like AI-watermark detectors helped to confirm the images as synthetic.
- Fabrications persisted to circulate and be updated despite the release of real images.
- The origin of several fakes was linked to social media profiles dedicated to graphic design.
