🔗 Share this article

AI-generated pictures claiming to show Nicolás Maduro detained following his capture by the United States have amassed tens of millions of views across the internet.

The Way Fake Pictures of the President Emerged Rapidly

Initial inauthentic AI image seemingly showing him led off a aircraft surfaced a brief time later. This image was not shared any official US channels; it was instead posted on the platform X by an account purporting to be an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.

Our analysis used Google’s SynthID, which found the image was produced or modified with generative AI.

Further AI-generated visuals started circulating in the subsequent period, seemingly depicting additional perspectives of the leader under guard. Noticeable watermarks on these pictures show they originated from an Instagram profile called ultravfx.

AI analysis says the further pictures were similarly created or altered AI technology.

Authentic Image Released but Fabrications Continued

The former US president released the genuine photograph of Nicolás Maduro in handcuffs aboard the USS Iwo Jima on that morning. But even after this real photo was published, synthetic pictures persisted online but were updated to include the grey athletic wear worn by Maduro.

Reverse image searches reveal the new fake images were originally uploaded on TikTok by a digital art profile. Once again, analysis confirms the new graphics were produced with Google AI.

Key Points:

• Deepfakes gained traction after the events of Maduro's capture.
• The first fake image appeared very quickly on platform X.
• Tools like Google’s SynthID 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 many fabricated images was traced to specific online accounts dedicated to graphic design.