State Department Investigates AI-Driven Impersonation Scandal Involving Secretary Rubio

The U.S. State Department is currently probing a series of incidents where individuals impersonated Secretary Marco Rubio through AI-generated messages sent to foreign diplomats and key U.S. officials. The investigation follows a memo warning staff about the breach.

The State Department is actively investigating a troubling situation in which an unidentified individual or group utilized artificial intelligence to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio in communications directed at prominent foreign diplomats and U.S. government officials. This alarming revelation was shared with employees through a memo dated July 3, detailing attempts made by the impersonator to reach out to at least five high-ranking figures outside the department.

In addressing this serious breach, a senior official from the department confirmed awareness of the issue and assured that a detailed investigation is ongoing. The government maintains that it takes the security of its information with the utmost seriousness and is consistently working to enhance its cybersecurity practices to mitigate the risk of such incidents in the future.

According to reports, the messages—including voice and text—were sent via encrypted communication apps such as Signal, targeting a diverse range of recipients including a state governor, a congressperson, and three ministers from foreign nations. The use of advanced AI technology reflects a growing concern over cybersecurity and the potential for misuse of information within the political sphere.

Marco Rubio, previously a senator from Florida, has a highly recognizable public persona, frequently engaging with media and appearing at numerous events, which makes him vulnerable to impersonation attempts. His extensive online presence provides the impersonators fodder to convincingly replicate his voice and mannerisms, raising significant risks for international diplomacy and national security.