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Computer-created pictures claiming to depict Nicolás Maduro under arrest after his capture by the United States have gained countless of impressions on social media.

How Fake Pictures of Maduro Emerged Rapidly

Initial fake AI image apparently showing him being escorted off a aircraft circulated a brief time later. The picture was absent from any authoritative American sources; it was instead posted on X by an profile purporting to be an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.

We’ve checked the SynthID tool, which found the picture was created or altered with generative AI.

Further AI-generated pictures began to spread in the following period, purporting to present different views of Maduro detained. Discernible identifying marks on these images indicate they were posted by an Instagram account called ultravfx.

SynthID says all of these images were similarly created or altered AI technology.

Authentic Image Posted but Fakes Continued

The former US president posted the first real photo of Nicolás Maduro in handcuffs aboard the US Navy ship on Saturday morning. However, despite the authentic image was released, AI-generated pictures persisted online but were modified to show the grey athletic wear worn by Maduro.

Online investigation reveal these altered fabrications were first posted on TikTok by a graphic design account. Again, the AI-watermark detector says these subsequent pictures were produced with generative artificial intelligence.

Key Points:

• AI-generated content circulated quickly after the events of Maduro's capture.
• The initial fabricated image appeared on the same day on social media.
• Tools like Google’s SynthID helped to identify the images as synthetic.
• Fabrications persisted to spread and be updated even after the release of authentic photographs.
• The origin of many fakes was traced to specific online profiles focused on AI art.