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Computer-created graphics claiming to depict Nicolás Maduro in custody after his apprehension by the US have gained tens of millions of views online.

The Way AI Images of the President Appeared Rapidly

Initial inauthentic AI image apparently displaying him taken off a aircraft surfaced shortly after. The picture was absent from any verified government accounts; it was instead posted on X by an account describing itself as an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.

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

Further AI-generated images were disseminated in the subsequent period, purporting to present more angles of Maduro detained. Discernible identifying marks on these images indicate they were posted by an Instagram profile named ultravfx.

SynthID confirms the further images were likewise produced using generative models.

Real Photo Released but Fabrications Persisted

The former US president shared the first real photo of Maduro handcuffed aboard the US Navy ship on Saturday morning. Yet following this confirmation was published, AI-generated images kept circulating but were updated to incorporate the grey athletic wear worn by Maduro.

Digital forensics reveal the new fake images were originally uploaded on the video platform by a graphic design profile. Similarly, SynthID found the new graphics were produced with generative artificial intelligence.

Key Points:

• Synthetic media spread rapidly following the news of Maduro's capture.
• The initial fabricated picture was shared within hours on social media.
• Detection software like AI-watermark detectors helped to verify the images as inauthentic.
• Fake images persisted to spread and evolve even after the publication of real images.
• The source of several fabricated images was traced to social media profiles focused on AI art.