Ukraine Unveils Its First AI-generated Spokesperson

Arva Rangwala

In a pioneering move that blurs the lines between technology and diplomacy, Ukraine has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation – the world’s first AI-generated digital spokesperson. Introducing Victoria Shi, an artificial intelligence (AI) avatar that will serve as the official representative of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking a historic moment in international relations.

The Rise of the AI Diplomat

Dressed in a professional dark suit, Victoria Shi made her debut introduction in a social media video, gesturing with her hands and moving her head, mimicking human-like communication and expressions. While her visual appearance is generated by AI, the statements she delivers are written and verified by human diplomats, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.

Embracing Cutting-Edge Technology

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba hailed the introduction of Shi as a “technological leap that no diplomatic service in the world has yet made.” The creation of this AI diplomat demonstrates Ukraine’s embrace of cutting-edge technology in its foreign ministry’s operations, with the primary objective of enhancing efficiency and saving time and resources for human diplomats.

The Creators Behind the AI Diplomat

The development of Victoria Shi was undertaken by a team known as The Game Changers, which has previously produced virtual reality content related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Shi’s name combines the Ukrainian word for artificial intelligence, “shtuchniy intelekt,” and “victory,” symbolizing the nation’s aspirations.

Modeling the AI Persona

Interestingly, Shi’s appearance and voice are modeled after a real person – Rosalie Nombre, a singer and former contestant on Ukraine’s version of the reality show “The Bachelor.” Nombre, originally from the now Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, participated in the project free of charge, lending her likeness to the AI diplomat.

Combating Misinformation and Deep Fakes

To combat the potential risks of deep fakes and misinformation, the Ukrainian ministry has implemented measures to ensure the authenticity and credibility of Victoria Shi’s statements. Each statement will be accompanied by a unique QR code that links to the official text version on the ministry’s website, providing a direct source of verification.

The AI Diplomat’s Responsibilities

Shi’s primary role as an AI diplomat involves informing the public about timely and verified information, primarily from Ukraine’s consular service. Additionally, she will provide journalists with updates about the work of consulates in protecting the rights of Ukrainian citizens abroad.

A Step into the Future

In her introductory video, Shi aptly stated, “We are taking a step into the future.” This statement encapsulates the significance of Ukraine’s decision to embrace AI technology in its diplomatic efforts, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.

Conclusion

Ukraine’s introduction of Victoria Shi, the world’s first AI-generated digital spokesperson, represents a groundbreaking moment in the realm of diplomacy. By harnessing the power of AI while maintaining human oversight and verification, Ukraine has demonstrated its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance communication and diplomatic operations. While the integration of AI in diplomacy raises ethical and practical considerations, Ukraine’s cautious approach, including measures to combat misinformation and deep fakes, sets a precedent for responsible implementation. As the world watches this bold experiment unfold, the potential for AI to revolutionize diplomatic practices will undoubtedly be a topic of intense discussion and careful evaluation.

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