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Computer-created images purporting to portray Nicolás Maduro under arrest following his apprehension by the US have gained tens of millions of views across the internet.

The Way Fake Pictures of Maduro Emerged Within Hours

Initial fabricated synthetic picture seemingly showing him led off a aircraft surfaced within hours. The picture was not shared any authoritative US channels; it was instead posted on the platform X by an profile purporting to be an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”.

We’ve checked Google’s SynthID, which found the image was produced or modified with AI tools.

Further AI-generated pictures started circulating in the following period, seemingly depicting more angles of Maduro detained. Noticeable watermarks on these images reveal they were posted by an Instagram account named ultravfx.

AI analysis indicates all of these images were likewise created or altered AI technology.

Authentic Image Released but Fakes Continued

Donald Trump posted the initial authentic image of Maduro handcuffed aboard the US Navy ship on that morning. Yet following this real photo was released, synthetic pictures continued to spread but were modified to include the grey athletic wear worn by Maduro.

Reverse image searches show the new fake images were originally uploaded on the video platform by a digital art profile. Once again, analysis says these subsequent pictures were created or altered generative artificial intelligence.

Key Points:

• AI-generated content gained traction after the announcement of Maduro's capture.
• The initial fabricated image was shared within hours on platform X.
• Tools like AI-watermark detectors helped to verify the pictures as inauthentic.
• Fabrications continued to spread and evolve despite the publication of real images.
• The origin of many fakes was linked to social media accounts focused on AI art.