The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has introduced a new initiative that will change the way official information on consular matters is provided to the media. Instead of the traditional approach, information will now be provided by Victoria Shi, a digital persona created using artificial intelligence, which is a pioneering step in history, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This digital persona was created based on a real person – Ukrainian singer, influencer, and contestant on the TV show “The Bachelor” Rosalie “Kovbasy” Nombre from Donetsk. She participated in the MFA project “pro bono,” that is, free of charge.
Victoria's appearance was filmed, digitized, and now her comments will appear on the official websites and social networks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as be transmitted to journalists through the ministry's press service.
The first video commentary from Victoria Shi, a digital persona created using artificial intelligence to provide timely and high-quality information on consular matters, is presented. She emphasizes that this was done without the participation of a real person.
Victoria Shi will inform journalists about the work of consuls to protect the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the response of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to incidents outside the country.
While Rosalie Nombre has not expressed her opinion on this initiative on her social media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that a real person and their digital representation are two different beings, and only Victoria Shea provides official comments.
The ministry explains that to verify the authenticity of the video, you should find the QR code in the upper right corner, which will redirect to the text version of the comment.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that Victoria Shi is not a replacement for the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, although recently Oleg Nikolenko, who held this position, announced his resignation.
The ministry claims that a replacement for Nikolenko has already been found and this person is undergoing special checks.
According to representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the name Victoria symbolizes the main goal - the victory of Ukraine.
“With my arrival, we are taking a step into the future, I will be glad to continue our cooperation,” Victoria Shi concluded her address.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasizes that the use of Victoria Shea is a strategic step to save the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' time and resources.
“Real diplomats will be able to perform their duties more effectively and focus on other areas of assistance to citizens,” Kuleba notes.
According to him, this is not just a whim, but a necessity in wartime. “To achieve important results for the country, it is necessary to accelerate all processes and be one step ahead,” the Foreign Ministry adds.
Kuleba notes that diplomacy has always been a conservative industry, the last to embrace innovation. However, Ukrainian diplomats intend to change this approach and make “a technological leap that has never been seen in the world,” the minister notes.
The emergence of a “digital person” who will inform about the work of consuls has become relevant against the backdrop of the suspension of consular services for Ukrainian men abroad. According to the law on mobilization, men abroad will be able to resume consular services only after updating their data in the CCC.
However, many on social media are criticizing the idea of creating a digital spokesperson.
“Is this something the Ministry of Foreign Affairs imagines?” one user comments.
Journalist and media expert Otar Dovzhenko believes that Victoria Shi is an unfounded innovation that may lead to further automation of the state's communication with the media.
He believes that if AI video commentary goes live, television journalists will face the challenge of getting understandable answers.
"Journalists will not have the opportunity to ask questions, but will only wait for the synthesized text of the official statement to be broadcast. This is not a "black mirror", but a wet dream of officials - no longer answering journalists' questions," emphasizes Dovzhenko.
Another issue is accountability. How will Victoria Shea's statements be quoted by the media?
“Our consciousness will perceive “Victoria” as the source of the statement, so it will be impossible to place responsibility on those who are actually responsible for the content of what was said,” the journalist notes.
