UPDATE: Just confirmed, misleading AI-generated images and videos have flooded social media following the January 3, 2023 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. These images, which falsely depict protests in New York and celebrations in Venezuela, are creating confusion and misinformation among the public.
Reports indicate that numerous posts claiming to show emotional Venezuelans celebrating Maduro’s capture are fabricated. A user on X, formerly Twitter, admitted to using artificial intelligence to create a viral image of U.S. soldiers escorting Maduro. Authentic images reveal that Maduro was taken into custody by agents not dressed in military fatigues, contradicting the AI-generated visuals.
One viral post stated, “Venezuelans are crying on their knees thanking Trump and America for freeing them from Nicolás Maduro,” showcasing the emotional impact of the leader’s capture. However, these images are marred by inaccuracies, including illegible protest signs and incorrect representations of the Venezuelan flag, which traditionally features eight stars in an arc.
The troubling AI manipulations extend to videos as well. Clips purportedly showing jubilant Venezuelans include glaring discrepancies—such as disappearing figures and incorrect flag representations. Some clips depict an elderly woman crying with a flag, while others feature young men exclaiming, “The dictator finally fell.” The earliest version of one of these videos was uploaded on TikTok by a user known for sharing AI-generated content.
The Trump administration has faced mixed reactions both domestically and internationally after the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has called for Maduro’s immediate release, labeling the U.S. actions as imperialist. Demonstrations erupted across the U.S., with protests occurring in places like San Francisco and New York, where supporters chanted against U.S. intervention.
As misinformation spreads rapidly online, experts caution the public to verify the authenticity of images and videos before sharing. The presence of AI-generated content complicates the narrative surrounding Maduro’s capture, raising serious questions about the reliability of social media as a source of news.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the situation unfolds, digital literacy becomes increasingly critical. Authorities may take steps to address the spread of misinformation. Watch for updates on the ongoing reactions to Maduro’s capture and the implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations.
