Rubio Reveals Top Concern Over Foreign Actors' Interference in Election

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) sounded the alarm this weekend on a new threat facing U.S. elections: the use of deep fakes by foreign actors to manipulate voters. During an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, Rubio, who serves as the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed his concern that AI-generated fake videos or audio could go viral in the final days before an election, potentially swaying close races before they can be debunked.

“The scenario that I worry about is 48 hours before an election where a foreign actor could release fake audio or fake video generated using A.I.,” Rubio warned. In tightly contested races, such content could "tip the scales" and change the outcome before anyone has the chance to verify the information.

Rubio's concerns come at a time when deep fake technology is rapidly advancing, making it increasingly difficult for the public to discern real from fake. In today’s fast-paced social media environment, a sensational video or audio clip can spread like wildfire before fact-checkers have a chance to respond. In the final days of an election, this type of interference could be devastating, especially in down-ballot races that often receive less media scrutiny.

Rubio’s advice to voters is simple but crucial: “If you see something out there, a video that just seems way too scandalous, I would pause for a second and make sure that it can be verified.” He explained that a fake video made to look like it happened recently may, in reality, be footage from years ago, or worse, something entirely fabricated using AI mechanisms.

• Foreign interference has been an ongoing threat to U.S. elections, and now, AI-generated content could become a key weapon in their arsenal.

• Deep fakes are particularly dangerous in congressional or local races, where resources and media attention are limited, making it harder to counteract false information.

• Rubio stressed that voters must be vigilant, especially in the critical final hours of an election when the margin for error is razor-thin.

Rubio also highlighted that while early voting and mail-in ballots have reduced the influence of last-minute disinformation, Congressional races remain particularly vulnerable. “If you’re running for Congress or Senate somewhere, and someone dumps something like this on you, it’s much harder to get the truth out there in time,” he said. These smaller races often lack the widespread media attention needed to quickly debunk false information before the damage is done.

Rubio's warning serves as a stark reminder of the new threats facing America’s democratic process. As we approach the next election cycle, the risk of AI-driven disinformation campaigns will only grow, and voters must remain skeptical of any last-minute "bombshells" that flood their feeds.

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