AI Deepfakes Flood Social Media After Maduro’s Capture

In the hours following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, social media platforms were flooded with AI-generated images and videos that distorted or fabricated key moments surrounding the event.

Some of the most widely shared clips falsely showed Maduro in jail scenes that never occurred, while others depicted him alongside public figures in situations that had no basis in reality.

Fact-checkers later confirmed that several of the viral visuals were created using artificial intelligence, not real footage. In one case, a video circulated on X amassed more than 5.6 million views before being flagged, highlighting how quickly misleading content can spread during breaking news.

AI-generated images of Maduro in U.S. custody also circulated before any official photos were released, adding to the confusion.

Experts warn that fast-breaking events create ideal conditions for misinformation, as audiences search for visuals before verified material becomes available.

The realism of modern AI tools makes it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish fact from fiction, especially when fabricated content closely resembles authentic imagery.