According to a report by The Guardian, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry recently a groundbreaking announcement on Wednesday, introducing an AI-generated spokesperson named Victoria Shi, a pioneering move in the world of international diplomacy. Dressed in a dark suit and presented in a video on social media, Victoria is designed to deliver official statements that are written and verified by human staff but presented through her digital persona.
The Foreign Ministry highlighted that this innovative approach is intended to optimize resource utilization and save time for its diplomats. Victoria’s introduction represents a significant shift towards integrating advanced technology in government operations, underscoring a commitment to modernization and efficiency.
According to the report, Victoria Shi, termed a “digital person” by the ministry, embodies a blend of technology and human effort. She gesticulates and moves naturally, adding a layer of human-like interaction that is often missing in digital communications. The statements she delivers are crafted by human experts, ensuring that the content remains accurate and trustworthy while the AI handles the visual representation.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described the initiative as a “technological leap that no diplomatic service in the world has yet made,” pointing to the innovative use of AI in public administration.
The name “Victoria Shi” draws from the word “victory” and the Ukrainian phrase for artificial intelligence, “shtuchniy intelekt.” Her creators, a team known as the Game Changers who are also involved in virtual-reality content related to the war in Ukraine, designed her to embody a forward-looking, victorious image that resonates with the Ukrainian spirit.
Interestingly, the report went on to say that Victoria’s appearance and voice are modeled after Rosalie Nombre, a well-known Ukrainian singer and a former contestant on Ukraine’s version of “The Bachelor.” Nombre, born in the now Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, lent her likeness to the project without charge, contributing to a cause that blends national pride with technological innovation.
To maintain authenticity and prevent misinformation, all statements made by Victoria will be accompanied by a QR code linking back to the text versions on the ministry’s official website.
Featured Image via Pixabay
