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AI-generated graphics claiming to portray Venezuela's president in custody after his capture by the US have gained tens of millions of views on social media.

The Way Fake Pictures of the President Surfaced Rapidly

Initial fake AI image seemingly showing him led off a aircraft surfaced within hours. The picture was not shared any official government accounts; it was instead uploaded on the platform X by an profile purporting to be an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.

Our analysis used Google’s SynthID, determining the picture was created or altered with generative AI.

Further synthetic pictures started circulating in the subsequent hours, seemingly depicting more angles of Maduro under guard. Visible identifying marks on these images show they came from an Instagram profile named ultravfx.

SynthID confirms all of these images were also created or altered AI technology.

Real Photo Released but Fabrications Persisted

The former US president posted the genuine photograph of Maduro handcuffed aboard the US Navy ship on Saturday morning. Yet following this confirmation was released, AI-generated images persisted online but were modified to include the gray sweatsuit seen on Maduro.

Online investigation indicate these altered fabrications were originally uploaded on the video platform by a graphic design profile. Similarly, the AI-watermark detector found these further images were created or altered Google AI.

Important Facts:

• AI-generated content gained traction after the announcement of the president's apprehension.
• The initial fabricated picture appeared on the same day on platform X.
• Tools like AI-watermark detectors were used to confirm the images as inauthentic.
• Fabrications continued to spread and be updated even after the publication of authentic images.
• The origin of many fabricated images was linked to specific online profiles dedicated to graphic design.