The National Security Risks of AI-Driven Human Impersonation

Jacob Crowley
Jan 7
2 min read

Artificial intelligence has transformed many aspects of society, but it also introduces new threats to national security. One of the most alarming risks is AI-driven human impersonation. This technology can convincingly mimic military personnel, government officials, and public servants, creating vulnerabilities that adversaries can exploit. These impersonations can disrupt operations, erode trust, and threaten public safety. Understanding these risks is essential for government, defense, and public sector leaders tasked with protecting national interests.

Eye-level view of a military uniform and ID badge on a desk — Military uniform and ID badge representing risks of AI-driven impersonation

How AI Enables Military Impersonation

AI tools can generate realistic audio, video, and text that imitate specific individuals. In the military context, this means adversaries could create fake communications or orders that appear to come from trusted commanders. Such impersonations can:

Disrupt command and control by issuing false directives
Leak sensitive information by impersonating personnel with access
Create confusion during critical operations

For example, a deepfake video of a high-ranking officer giving contradictory orders could cause delays or missteps in a mission. The speed and scale at which AI can produce these fakes make traditional verification methods less effective.

Threats to Government Identity Security

Government officials and public servants are prime targets for AI impersonation. Attackers can use AI-generated voices or videos to:

Bypass authentication systems that rely on voice or facial recognition
Manipulate decision-making by impersonating officials in communications
Spread false information that appears to come from authoritative sources

Such impersonations undermine government identity security and can lead to unauthorized access to classified data or influence over policy decisions. For instance, an AI-generated call from a fake official could trick staff into revealing confidential information or approving harmful actions.

Election Interference and Disinformation Campaigns

AI-driven impersonation also poses risks to democratic processes. Fake videos or audio clips of candidates or public figures can be used to:

Spread false claims that damage reputations
Sow division by amplifying controversial or misleading statements
Undermine voter confidence in election integrity

These disinformation campaigns can erode institutional credibility and destabilize political environments. During recent elections worldwide, deepfake videos have been detected attempting to influence public opinion, showing how AI impersonation can be weaponized to interfere with democratic governance.

Erosion of Institutional Credibility and Public Safety

When the public cannot trust the authenticity of communications from military or government sources, the consequences extend beyond misinformation. The erosion of institutional credibility can:

Reduce compliance with public safety directives during crises
Increase vulnerability to social engineering attacks
Weaken national resilience against coordinated threats

For example, during emergencies, false messages impersonating public servants could cause panic or prevent people from following evacuation orders. Maintaining trust in official channels is critical for effective governance and security.

Policy Considerations and Mitigation Strategies

Addressing the risks of AI national security threats requires coordinated policy responses:

Strengthen identity verification by combining biometric, behavioral, and contextual data
Develop AI detection tools to identify deepfakes and synthetic media
Enhance training for personnel to recognize and respond to impersonation attempts
Promote transparency in government communications to build public trust
Collaborate internationally to set norms and share intelligence on AI threats