AI impersonation is becoming widespread in online job interviews. One case was reported in which a company contacted a registered user of a recruitment website and conducted an online interview, during which the individual promoted qualifications that did not match those of the real person. Meanwhile, experts have warned that North Korea may be sending fake IT workers into Japanese companies as a state-led operation, and 11 countries have issued a joint warning.
Reports have highlighted concerns that AI-enabled impersonation is becoming widespread in online job interviews. Footage on the program showed a case in which a company contacted a registered user and conducted an online interview. The man who conducted the interview reportedly presented himself as having led the design and development of large-scale web services.
During the interview, the smoothness of the audio was noted, but it was also pointed out that the movement of the man's mouth did not match the words he was saying. The interviewer questioned whether he was using AI. The interviewee replied, "I am not using AI," and explained that he was speaking for himself, but his Japanese also appeared unnatural. It was subsequently determined that this was an impersonation.
Experts have suggested that North Korea may be involved in the impersonation scheme. North Korea is reportedly seeking to send fake IT workers into companies in other countries as a state-led operation, with the aim of funneling their compensation to the regime. Concerns have also been raised about the acquisition of medical information and the potential for cyber threats.
Not only Japan but also several other countries around the world are on alert over this trend. In July 2026, Japan, the United States, South Korea, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and 5 other countries reportedly issued a joint warning about the impersonation of North Korean IT workers.