AI Technology Misused to Forge Marco Rubio and Deceive Diplomats
washington, woensdag, 9 juli 2025.
The State Department has warned American diplomats about a scammer who used AI technology to mimic the voice of Secretary Marco Rubio. The fake Rubio contacted at least three foreign ministers, a governor, and a member of Congress. This incident highlights the growing threat of AI-driven impersonation in the political arena and is being investigated by the FBI and the State Department.
State Department Warns of AI-Driven Impersonation
The State Department has issued a warning to American diplomats about attempts to forge Secretary Marco Rubio and possibly other officials using AI technology. A scammer used AI software to mimic Rubio’s voice and contact government officials. This fake Rubio contacted at least three foreign ministers, a governor, and a member of Congress, with the aim of obtaining information or access to accounts [1][2][3].
Details of the Incident
According to a cable sent on Thursday to all U.S. embassies and consulates, the scammer created a Signal account with the display name marco.rubio@state.gov. The impersonator sent text messages and voice messages, attempting to obtain sensitive information or access to accounts. The State Department confirmed that they are aware of the incident and are taking it seriously [3][4].
Previous Incidents and FBI Warnings
This incident follows earlier attempts to forge American government officials. In May 2025, the FBI warned about a campaign using AI to impersonate high-ranking American government officials. Another example is the deepfake of Rubio from spring 2025, where he allegedly wanted to stop the delivery of Starlink internet service to Ukraine [1][4].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
These incidents highlight the growing threat of AI-driven impersonation in the political arena. Siwei Lyu, a professor and computer scientist at the University at Buffalo, noted that the realistic quality of deepfakes has significantly improved. ‘It’s an arms race, and now the generators have the upper hand,’ said Lyu [1]. This has serious implications for media literacy and democracy, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish what is real and what is not.
Practical Tips to Recognise Fake News
To combat the spread of fake news and AI-driven impersonation, experts and authorities offer some practical tips for readers:
- Verify the Source: Always check the authenticity of messages and information by consulting multiple reliable sources.
- Look for Irregularities: Pay attention to subtle errors in language use, timing, or context that may indicate forgery.
- Use Technological Tools: Various tools and platforms are available to help detect deepfakes and false information.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from reliable news sources and authorities focused on combating fake news.
- Be Critical: Develop a critical eye and ask yourself whether the message is logical and consistent [1][2][3][4].