Introduction to AI-Generated Images and False Information
In the hours following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, social media platforms were flooded with AI-generated images, old videos, and altered photos. These images quickly went viral, leading to the spread of false information online. To combat this, CBS News analyzed circulating images by comparing them to verified content and using publicly available tools such as reverse image search. In some cases, AI detection tools were used to flag potentially manipulated content.
The Spread of AI-Generated Images
After the announcement of Maduro’s capture, questions arose about the logistics of the mission and the future of Venezuela. Meanwhile, images of Maduro, likely manipulated or created using AI tools, circulated on social media, garnering millions of views and thousands of likes. A photo purporting to show Maduro after his capture was widely shared, including by the Mayor of Coral Gables, Florida, and popular conservative content accounts. Using Google’s SynthID tool, the CBS News Confirmed team determined that the photo was likely edited or created using Google AI.
Unverified Videos and Photos
A video created from the photo showed military personnel escorting Maduro off a plane. It was published 12 hours before CBS News reported that a person in shackles was seen getting off the plane with Maduro, confirming his eventual arrival at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Another unverified photo showed Maduro on a plane with US soldiers, but AI detection tools produced inconsistent results regarding its authenticity. The White House Rapid Response account shared a video that appeared to show Maduro being escorted down a hallway by federal agents.
Old Pictures and Videos Resurface
Old videos and images from past events were re-distributed, intending to show reactions to Maduro’s capture and attacks in Caracas. One video showing people tearing down a poster image of Maduro was from July 2024, while another video purportedly showing an attack in Venezuela had already been spread on social media in June 2025. A picture of a man with a sack over his head sitting in the back of a car was widely circulated, sparking speculation online about whether the photo showed Maduro’s capture.
The Importance of Verifying Sources
Experts emphasize the need to check the source of the content, as well as the date, location, and other news sources, to determine the accuracy of an image. Social media companies’ policies on AI-generated images are unclear, and CBS News did not receive a response from X and Meta regarding their policies. As the spread of false information continues to be a concern, it is essential to verify the authenticity of images and videos before sharing them online.
