AI-generated image shows Lula embracing Maduro, Raul Castro, and Daniel Ortega

A photo showing Lula embracing Nicolás Maduro, Daniel Ortega, and Raúl Castro was generated by artificial intelligence. The content, shared on X, manipulated images of the Latin American leaders to spread misinformation. There is no record of the four politicians together.

An analysis using the Hive Moderation tool indicated a greater than 99% probability that the content was artificially generated. Inconsistencies in the politicians’ appearance such as overly symmetrical positioning and a “plastic” look also indicate that the image is synthetic.

The content was shared on social media after Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced the end of elections in the country, in an attempt to link the measure to Lula. “Lula’s friends and the ‘Democracy’ that the PT will want to hide during the election campaign,” reads the post’s caption, which also indicates that the content was artificially generated.