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Synthetic graphics claiming to portray Venezuela's president in custody after his apprehension by the American authorities have amassed countless of impressions across the internet.

The Way AI Images of the President Appeared Within Hours

Initial fabricated synthetic picture apparently showing him led off a plane circulated shortly after. This image was absent from any verified US channels; rather, it was published on the platform X by an profile purporting to be an “AI video art enthusiast”.

Our analysis used an AI-watermark detector, confirming the picture was produced or modified with AI tools.

Further synthetic visuals were disseminated in the following hours, appearing to show different views of Maduro in custody. Noticeable watermarks on the graphics indicate they were posted by an Instagram account named ultravfx.

AI analysis says all of these images were similarly created or altered Google AI.

Authentic Image Released but Fakes Continued

The former US president posted the genuine photograph of Nicolás Maduro in handcuffs aboard the USS Iwo Jima on that morning. Yet following this confirmation was made public, synthetic images kept circulating but were modified to incorporate the grey athletic wear worn by Maduro.

Online investigation indicate these updated fakes were first posted on the video platform by a graphic design profile. Similarly, SynthID found the new graphics were created or altered generative artificial intelligence.

Key Points:

• AI-generated content spread rapidly following the events of Maduro's capture.
• The first fake picture appeared on the same day on social media.
• Detection software like AI-watermark detectors were used to confirm the images as inauthentic.
• Fake images persisted to circulate and evolve even after the publication of authentic photographs.
• The origin of many fabricated images was linked to social media accounts dedicated to AI art.