The government of Ukraine has introduced a new AI-generated spokesperson to act as the official voice for the foreign ministry. The AI-generated spokesperson has been named Victoria Shi.
On May 1, it was announced by the ministry that for the first time, a digital figure would be delivering its official communications. Victoria Shi, the AI representative, made her debut in a video on social media, where she was seen using hand gestures and moving her head while speaking. The foreign ministry’s media team confirmed to AFP that although Shi will be the face of their statements, the content will be crafted and validated by human staff, not AI-generated.
‘A technological leap’
Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, described the introduction of Victoria Shi as a pioneering technological advance, unmatched by any other diplomatic body worldwide. He mentioned that the development of an AI spokesperson aims to streamline the workflow and conserve the resources and time for the diplomats. The group responsible for creating Shi, known as the Game Changers, is also involved in producing virtual-reality experiences focusing on the Ukrainian war.
Bot’s appearance, voice modelled on a real person
As per AFP, the visual and vocal elements of Shi are based on Rosalie Nombre, a singer and former contestant on Ukraine’s version of the reality show The Bachelor. Originally from Donetsk, a city now under Russian control, Nombre contributed to the project without compensation.
The foreign ministry emphasized the distinction between Nombre and Shi, noting that only the AI character would be tasked with public communications. To ensure authenticity and prevent fraudulent reproductions, all statements from the ministry will include a QR code that links to written versions on the official ministry website.
