In a first-of-its-kind move that has garnered global attention, the Ukrainian government has introduced an artificial intelligence-generated spokesperson named Victoria Shi to deliver official statements on behalf of its foreign ministry. This innovative step, announced on Wednesday, marks a significant stride into the future of technology and diplomacy.
Dressed in a dark suit, the digital persona of Victoria Shi made her debut in a presentation posted on social media platforms. “I am a digital person,” she stated, her gestures and head movements mimicking those of a human speaker. “That means the text that you hear was generated by artificial intelligence. With my appointment, we are taking a step into the future.”
Despite Shi’s AI-generated appearance and voice, the Ukrainian foreign ministry’s press service emphasized that the statements she delivers will be “written and verified by real people.” Dmytro Kuleba, the country’s foreign minister, clarified the division of responsibilities, saying, “It’s only the visual part that the AI helps us to generate.”
Kuleba hailed the creation of Victoria Shi as a “technological leap that no diplomatic service in the world has yet made.” He explained that the primary motivation behind this groundbreaking initiative was “saving time and resources” for the nation’s diplomats, who are currently grappling with the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The team responsible for bringing Victoria Shi to life is called The Game Changers, a group that has previously worked on virtual reality content related to the war in Ukraine. The spokesperson’s name itself holds symbolic significance, derived from the word “victory” and the Ukrainian phrase for artificial intelligence, “shtuchniy intelekt.”
Remarkably, Victoria 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.” Born in the now Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, Nombre boasts a following of 54,000 on Instagram, where she frequently addresses stereotypes about mixed-race Ukrainians and those who grew up as Russian speakers.
The foreign ministry has emphasized that Nombre’s involvement in the project was entirely voluntary and without compensation. “Shi and Nombre are two different people,” the ministry stressed, clarifying that only the AI figure will deliver official statements.
To combat the potential spread of misinformation and deepfakes, each statement made by Victoria Shi will be accompanied by a QR code that links directly to the text version on the foreign ministry’s official website. This measure aims to ensure transparency and authenticity in the dissemination of information.
Initially, Victoria Shi’s primary role will be to comment on consular services, a topic that has recently sparked controversy. Last week, Ukraine suspended such services for men of fighting age living abroad, requiring them to return to the country for administrative procedures and potentially face conscription into the military.
The introduction of an AI-generated spokesperson is a bold and unprecedented move, reflecting Ukraine’s determination to embrace cutting-edge technology amid the challenges of wartime. As Dmytro Kuleba stated, “It’s a technological leap that no diplomatic service in the world has yet made.”
While the concept of an AI spokesperson may raise eyebrows and spark debates around the ethics and implications of such technology, the Ukrainian government remains steadfast in its belief that this initiative will streamline communication efforts and free up valuable resources for its diplomats.
As the world watches with keen interest, Victoria Shi’s debut marks a significant milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence into the realm of diplomacy and international relations. Only time will tell how this experiment unfolds and whether other nations will follow suit in adopting similar technological solutions.
In the midst of a conflict that has reshaped global dynamics, Ukraine’s embrace of an AI spokesperson serves as a testament to its resilience and willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of innovative solutions. As the lines between human and artificial intelligence continue to blur, Victoria Shi’s appointment stands as a reminder of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and its potential to reshape even the most traditional of institutions.
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