Unmasking Venezuelan Celebration Footage and AI Images of Maduro.
AI-generated images claiming to portray Nicolás Maduro in custody after his apprehension by the United States have amassed tens of millions of impressions online.
The Way AI Images of Maduro Emerged Rapidly
The first fabricated synthetic picture seemingly showing him being escorted off a aircraft emerged within hours. This image was absent from any authoritative government accounts; it was instead posted on X by an account describing itself as an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.
Verification involved an AI-watermark detector, which found the image was created or altered with generative AI.
Additional AI-generated visuals were disseminated in the following period, purporting to present different views of Maduro under guard. Discernible identifying marks on the graphics reveal they came from an Instagram profile called ultravfx.
AI analysis indicates all of these pictures were also produced using AI technology.
Authentic Image Released but Fabrications Continued
The former US president posted 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 include the grey tracksuit worn by Maduro.
Online investigation indicate these altered fabrications were initially shared on TikTok by a digital art profile. Again, the AI-watermark detector says the new graphics were generated or edited AI tools.
Important Facts:
- Synthetic media circulated quickly after the news of Maduro's capture.
- The first fake image was shared within hours on platform X.
- Detection software like AI-watermark detectors were used to verify the images as synthetic.
- Fabrications persisted to circulate and be updated despite the publication of real photographs.
- The source of many fabricated images was traced to specific online accounts dedicated to graphic design.
