The recent capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro sparked a surge of misleading images on social media. Following the announcement, various AI-generated, edited photos, and old videos began circulating widely, creating confusion among users.
AI-Generated Images Following Maduro’s Capture
On a Saturday morning, Donald Trump shared a post announcing Maduro’s capture, leading to rampant speculation online. Questions arose about Maduro’s transport and the political future of Venezuela.
Almost immediately, social media platforms were flooded with manipulated images. Analysts from CBS News utilized reverse image search and AI detection tools to evaluate the credibility of these visuals. Though AI tools can sometimes yield inaccurate results, they proved useful in identifying altered content.
- One widely shared image, credited to the mayor of Coral Gables, Vince Lago, appeared to show Maduro post-capture. CBS confirmed it was likely edited using Google’s SynthID tool.
- A video was also generated from the same image, depicting military personnel escorting Maduro. This content was published before credible reports confirmed Maduro’s arrival at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Circulation of Old and Misleading Videos
In addition to AI-generated content, multiple old videos resurfaced with misleading claims. One video, which purported to display reactions to Maduro’s apprehension, dated back to July 2024. Another clip misrepresenting a strike in Venezuela had been circulating since June 2025.
A particularly questionable image showing a man with a bag over his head ignited speculation about its authenticity. Although some speculated it featured Maduro, others noted that the image likely depicted Saddam Hussein after his arrest, as reported by the Daily Mail in 2023.
Official Responses and Social Media Policies
As the misinformation spread, CBS News sought clarity from social media platforms like X and Meta regarding their policies on AI-generated content. X has stated that it may label synthetic or manipulated media, while Meta prohibits AI-generated content that contributes to misinformation.
Final Thoughts
This incident highlights the urgent need for scrutiny on social media. Users must remain vigilant when evaluating the authenticity of images and videos, especially in politically charged situations. The rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology complicates this further, making it essential to verify the source, date, and context of shared media.
