AI-Generated Propaganda Spreads False Narratives About Venezuela Crisis

In the aftermath of the US attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro, AI-generated content is being weaponized to create false narratives about Venezuelan public opinion. This disturbing trend highlights how generative AI is becoming a powerful tool for spreading misinformation during international conflicts.

Manufactured Consent Through AI Propaganda

While reports indicate that many Venezuelans oppose the US military action, with thousands protesting in cities across Venezuela and a death toll of at least 80 soldiers and civilians, AI-generated content is being used to paint a completely different picture. A November survey had previously found that 86% of Venezuelans preferred Maduro to remain as head of state to address economic issues, with only 8% supporting the far-right opposition backed by US President Donald Trump.

Despite this reality, social media accounts supporting the US intervention have circulated AI-generated videos purporting to show Venezuelans celebrating their ‘liberation.’ One particularly viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the account Wall Street Apes received over five million views, featuring obviously AI-generated clips of people supposedly crying tears of joy and thanking the United States and Donald Trump.

Escalating Misinformation Tactics

The spread of AI-generated content extends beyond videos. In the hours following Maduro’s kidnapping, fake AI-generated images of the Venezuelan president in US custody began circulating online, well before authentic images were released by the Trump administration. Conservative politicians, including Florida mayor Vince Lago, have helped spread this misinformation.

Critics warn that this sophisticated AI propaganda represents a dangerous new frontier in manufacturing consent for military interventions. Geopolitical analyst Ben Norton noted that “The US empire’s war propaganda is getting much more sophisticated” and predicted that the US government would likely use AI to justify future military actions.

Historical Context of Media Manipulation

This isn’t the first time media has been weaponized against Venezuela. As journalist José Luis Granados Ceja pointed out, the 2002 brief ousting of former President Hugo Chávez was described as the “world’s first media coup” where television media played a crucial role in creating false narratives. The current use of AI to generate propaganda represents a technological evolution of these same tactics.

Implications for Future Conflicts

The ease with which AI can now create convincing fake content raises serious concerns about information integrity during international crises. As generative AI becomes more sophisticated and accessible, distinguishing between authentic and manufactured content will become increasingly challenging, potentially allowing powerful interests to shape public perception regardless of on-the-ground realities.