BLUF: Deepfake “Diplomacy”

We’re routinely reminded that, despite the transformational role artificial intelligence will surely play in improving our world, there are those who will warp the technology for their own nefarious purposes.

In perhaps the most brazen act of deepfake ‘diplomacy’ we’ve seen to-date, a caller impersonating Ukraine’s former foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, attempted to pry chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Maryland Senator Benjamin Cardin, for sensitive and politically charged information.

The effort draws similarities to previous operations attributed to Russian intelligence, such as the impersonation of a Latvian diplomat that targeted Sen. Jeanne Shaheen for information regarding U.S. sanctions against Russia back in 2018. What is striking about this attack however, is its level of complexity.

Senate security warned lawmakers to remain watchful, commenting that “this attempt stands out due to its technical sophistication and believability,” adding that “it is likely that other attempts will be made in the coming weeks.” 

We’ve covered how these operations aim to erode public trust in our democracy as we head towards November. This latest attack only heightens concerns, showing that hostile actors remain determined to exploit new technologies to glean insights and sow discord in our democratic institutions.

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