Following reports of Nicolás Maduro's capture by the US on Saturday morning, AI-generated images purportedly showing him in custody began circulating online. These images amassed tens of millions of views.
The initial AI-generated image, depicting Maduro being escorted off an aircraft, emerged within hours of the reported capture. This image was posted on X by an account identifying as an "AI video art enthusiast" and was not disseminated via official US channels. Analysis using Google's SynthID AI-watermark detector indicated that this image had been generated or edited with Google AI.
Additional AI-generated images, showing Maduro from various angles while purportedly in custody, subsequently spread. Visible watermarks on these images linked their origin to an Instagram account, ultravfx, which identifies itself as managed by an "Artificial Intelligence Professional." SynthID results corroborated that these subsequent images were also generated or edited with Google AI.
A photograph of Maduro, handcuffed aboard the USS Iwo Jima ship, was posted by Donald Trump on Saturday morning. Despite the publication of this authentic photograph, AI-generated images continued to circulate. Some of these AI-generated images were updated to incorporate details, such as the grey tracksuit worn by Maduro in the authentic image. Reverse image searches indicated these updated AI-generated images were initially posted on TikTok by a graphic design account. The SynthID AI-watermark detector again confirmed that these images had been generated or edited using Google AI.