Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has introduced a virtual artificial intelligence spokesperson to provide updates on various issues, including the ongoing war with Russia. According to Kyiv post, the consular representative named Victoria Shi is based on the likeness of Ukrainian singer and influencer Rosalie Nombre, who agreed to participate in the ministry's project. A video of the virtual spokesperson was posted by the ministry on X (formerly Twitter), where it said comments from her will appear on the MFA's official website and social media platforms.
Also read | US Sanctions Russia and China Suppliers Due to War in Ukraine
“Meet Victoria Shi – a digital representative of the MFA of Ukraine, created using AI to provide timely updates on consular matters! For the first time in history, the MFA of Ukraine has presented a digital persona that will provide official commentary for the media,” the ministry said on X.
👋 Meet Victoria Shi — a digital representative of the MFA of Ukraine, created using AI to provide timely updates on consular affairs!
For the first time in history, the MFA of Ukraine has presented a digital persona that will provide official commentary for the media. pic.twitter.com/KTtuCVR1ku
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) May 1, 2024
In a press release, the ministry said Ms. Nombre consented to the use of her voice and likeness “pro bono.”
“My name symbolizes our main goal – the victory of Ukraine, and my surname – the artificial intelligence that created me. My work will consist in reporting to the public operational and verified information from the Consular Department of the MFA of Ukraine Shi says in the teaser video.
“I will inform journalists about the work of consuls in protecting the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens abroad, responding to incidents or emergencies and other news,” the virtual representative further said.
Kyiv post quoted the ministry as saying it has taken several initiatives to ensure no digital counterfeiting, including QR codes.
Also read | Russian missile strike destroys Ukraine's iconic 'Harry Potter castle'
The decision was taken to save time and resources to facilitate wartime processes, the ministry said.
“Real diplomats will be able to be more effective and focus on other tasks, namely providing assistance to citizens,” Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told the Post.