The AI-generated deepfake is becoming a familiar feature of political debates, but also a potential national security threat, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently discovered. An imitation of Rubio’s voice was used in an attempt to solicit counterparts to share information, highlighting how sophisticated and convincing AI voice scams have become. This deception adds to concern about the weaponisation of AI in geopolitics, via misinformation or algorithmic manipulation. It’s not only about influencing elections. Imagine the severe consequences that could flow from targeting high-level officials who might have access to nuclear controls. Misinformation and deepfakes are not new, but AI turns the danger into something faster, sharper and harder to untangle. This is especially a risk during a crisis.
Deepfakes and nuclear weapons: Why AI regulation can’t wait | Lowy Institute
