đ Share this article Debunking Venezuela Celebration Footage and AI Images of NicolĂĄs Maduro. AI-generated images claiming to portray Venezuela's president in custody following his apprehension by the American authorities have gained many millions of views on social media. How AI Images of the President Surfaced Soon After Initial fabricated AI image apparently showing him taken off a aircraft surfaced a brief time later. This image was not shared any verified American sources; it was instead published on the platform X by an account describing itself as an âAI video art enthusiastâ. Our analysis used an AI-watermark detector, determining the image was generated or edited with generative AI. Further AI-generated visuals began to spread in the following period, purporting to present additional perspectives of Maduro in custody. Discernible watermarks on these images show they originated from an Instagram profile named ultravfx. The detection tool indicates the further images were likewise produced using AI technology. Authentic Image Released but Fakes Persisted The former US president shared the genuine photograph of NicolĂĄs Maduro handcuffed aboard the US Navy ship on Saturday morning. Yet following this confirmation was published, synthetic images kept circulating but were updated to include the grey athletic wear worn by Maduro. Reverse image searches reveal these updated fakes were originally uploaded on TikTok by a graphic design account. Again, analysis says these further images were created or altered generative artificial intelligence. Main Takeaways: AI-generated content circulated quickly after the announcement of the president's apprehension. The first fake image appeared very quickly on platform X. Tools like Googleâs SynthID helped to verify the pictures as synthetic. Fabrications persisted to spread and evolve despite the publication of real photographs. The origin of several fabricated images was traced to social media profiles focused on AI art.