Chilean UDI deputy shares AI-generated deepfake of President Boric with Venezuelan minister
A Chilean UDI deputy shared an AI-generated fake image showing President Boric embracing a Venezuelan minister on January 26, 2025. The image was confirmed to be artificial intelligence-generated with 99% probability, and Boric publicly condemned the disinformation practice on social media.
What happened
On January 26, 2025, UDI deputy Sergio Bobadilla posted an AI-generated image on X showing President Gabriel Boric embracing Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, with the caption 'Bonita foto!!!' (Nice photo!!!).
Fast Check CL analyzed the image using Hive Moderation and determined with 99% probability that it was created with artificial intelligence.
President Boric responded via X, condemning the disinformation practices and emphasizing the importance of verifying sources and not sharing false information.
Reported impact
The false image was spread through social media, contributing to misinformation in public discourse.
The image attempted to falsely associate the Chilean president with Venezuela's government amid political tensions related to alleged Venezuelan involvement in crimes in Chile.
Index analysis
The AI-generated image represents a deepfake used for political messaging, combining unverified allegations about Venezuelan regime involvement in Chile with a fabricated image of the president.
Governance controls
Bobadilla refused to apologize for sharing the false image, asserting he would not apologize to either the government or President Boric, despite acknowledging a possible error in not verifying the image.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.