US Secretary of State Impersonated Using AI Voice｜Diplomatic Risks of Generative AI Surface

A case of impersonation using artificial intelligence (AI) has been uncovered in the United States. It was revealed that someone used AI-generated fake audio to impersonate the U.S. Secretary of State and contacted several foreign ministers and government officials, raising serious concerns about cybersecurity and the reliability of diplomatic communications.

【Overview of the Incident】Fake "Secretary Rubio" Created with AI

On July 8, 2025, multiple U.S. media outlets and Reuters reported that an unidentified individual used AI-generated voice to impersonate U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and contacted three foreign ministers and two U.S. government officials. The communications were carried out via the encrypted messaging app Signal and included both voice messages and texts urging further contact.

According to diplomatic cables, this individual attempted to contact foreign ministers, lawmakers, and state governors in mid-June, using highly realistic audio. At least two individuals reportedly received the AI-generated voice messages.

【State Department Response】Cybersecurity Measures to Be Strengthened

On the same day, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed in a press briefing that "the reports are accurate" and announced that an investigation is currently underway.

“We take our responsibility to safeguard information very seriously. To prevent similar incidents in the future, we are committed to the ongoing strengthening of our cybersecurity framework,” he stated. However, he declined to disclose the contents of the messages or the identities of the targeted individuals, citing the ongoing investigation.

【Background】The Reality of Diplomatic Manipulation via Deepfake Technology

This incident highlights the alarming reality that deepfakes and AI-generated audio can be used in cybercrime and political manipulation.

A U.S. diplomatic cable dated July 3 indicated that "the AI-generated audio and text messages were likely intended to manipulate targeted individuals to gain access to sensitive information or accounts," emphasizing the risk of data breaches.

As AI technology advances, content that deceives both visually and aurally has become increasingly realistic. Methods of social engineering have also become more sophisticated. High-tech deception of this nature poses risks to diplomatic processes and trust between nations.

【Previous Case】Fake Calls Impersonating White House Chief of Staff

A similar incident was reported in May this year, involving fake phone calls impersonating Jeff Zients, the White House Chief of Staff, made to several U.S. Senators. AI-generated voice was also suspected in that case, prompting urgent discussions within the government about preventive measures.

This new case appears to be a continuation of that trend, showing how AI-enabled “identity impersonation cyberattacks” are spreading even into politics and diplomacy.

【Future Challenges】Need for AI Regulation and International Cooperation

To prevent recurrence of such incidents, not only domestic legal reforms but also the establishment of international AI regulatory frameworks is essential. In particular, high-risk targets such as government officials and diplomats require more advanced voice authentication and identity verification protocols.

On the other hand, generative AI is also widely used in legitimate business and creative sectors, and it is crucial to design regulatory systems that fairly balance its benefits and risks.

【Conclusion】Redefining Diplomacy and Trust in the AI Era

This incident demonstrates that even core pillars of statecraft such as diplomacy are vulnerable to threats posed by AI-driven deception. Media literacy to distinguish between real and fake information, along with the development of technical and institutional safeguards, is more necessary than ever.

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