Debunking Venezuela Victory Footage and AI Images of Maduro.
Computer-created images claiming to depict Nicolás Maduro in custody following his capture by the United States have garnered many millions of impressions online.
The Way Fake Pictures of Maduro Emerged Within Hours
Initial fake synthetic picture apparently showing him led off a aircraft circulated a brief time later. The picture was absent from any authoritative government accounts; it was instead posted on the platform X by an profile describing itself as an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.
We’ve checked an AI-watermark detector, determining the picture was generated or edited with generative AI.
Further AI-generated images began to spread in the following hours, appearing to show more angles of Maduro detained. Discernible watermarks on the graphics indicate they came from an Instagram profile called ultravfx.
AI analysis says the further pictures were also produced using generative models.
Real Photo Released but Fakes Continued
Donald Trump shared the initial authentic image of Maduro handcuffed aboard the US Navy ship on that morning. However, despite the authentic image was released, synthetic images continued to spread but were modified to include the gray sweatsuit seen on Maduro.
Online investigation indicate these updated fakes were first posted on the video platform by a graphic design profile. Again, analysis found the new graphics were produced with Google AI.
Key Points:
- AI-generated content circulated quickly after the events of the president's apprehension.
- The initial fabricated picture was shared on the same day on platform X.
- Detection software like AI-watermark detectors were used to verify the pictures as synthetic.
- Fake images continued to spread and evolve even after the publication of real photographs.
- The source of many fabricated images was traced to specific online profiles dedicated to AI art.
