Unmasking Venezuela Celebration Footage and AI-Generated Pictures of Maduro.
AI-generated pictures claiming to portray Nicolás Maduro in custody following his capture by the American authorities have amassed many millions of views online.
The Way Fake Pictures of Maduro Surfaced Rapidly
The first fabricated AI image seemingly displaying him taken off a aircraft circulated shortly after. This image was not shared any verified American sources; it was instead published on the platform X by an account describing itself as an “AI video art enthusiast”.
Verification involved Google’s SynthID, determining the picture was produced or modified with Google AI.
Further AI-generated visuals were disseminated in the ensuing period, seemingly depicting more angles of Maduro detained. Noticeable identifying marks on the graphics indicate they originated from an Instagram profile called ultravfx.
SynthID says these additional images were similarly generated or edited generative models.
Real Photo Posted but Fabrications Persisted
The former US president released the first real photo of Maduro restrained aboard the US Navy ship on that morning. Yet following the authentic image was published, AI-generated pictures kept circulating but were modified to show the grey tracksuit seen on Maduro.
Online investigation show the new fake images were initially shared on the video platform by a graphic design account. Similarly, SynthID found these further images were generated or edited Google AI.
Key Points:
- Synthetic media circulated quickly following the news of the president's apprehension.
- The first fake picture appeared on the same day on platform X.
- Tools like AI-watermark detectors helped to verify the pictures as synthetic.
- Fabrications persisted to spread and evolve despite the publication of real images.
- The origin of several fakes was linked to specific online accounts focused on graphic design.
