The US State Department is investigating a serious incident where an unknown individual used artificial intelligence to impersonate Senator Marco Rubio, contacting high-level officials, including three foreign ministers, a US senator, and a governor.
The impersonator used AI software that required only 15-20 seconds of audio to create a convincing clone of Rubio's voice. This incident highlights the growing threat of AI-powered cyber attacks and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The State Department and FBI are investigating the incident, warning employees and foreign governments to verify the authenticity of unexpected communications.
This is not the first time US officials have been targeted by AI impersonation scams. In May, a similar incident involved impersonating White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The use of AI-generated messages and voice clones raises concerns about the authenticity of digital communications, particularly in high-stakes environments like government and diplomacy.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the extent of the impersonation and the potential consequences. As AI technology continues to advance, it's essential to develop strategies to prevent and respond to these types of incidents.
