Shi’s visual aspect is AI-generated while the content she delivers is prepared and verified by human diplomats
AI is taking over? Well, that’s a debate for other roles, but yes, beyond general AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Meta AI, we are seeing the rise of AI clones, AI news anchors, and now, for the first time, artificial intelligence representing an entire nation. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced an AI-generated avatar as its digital spokesperson, marking a first in the world of diplomacy.
The ministry introduced Shi on social media with a small clip of herself introducing herself. Victoria Shi, dressed in a professional dark suit, introduced herself as a “digital person” in a presentation posted on social media. She gesticulates with her hands and moves her head as she speaks, mimicking human-like communication and expressions. While Shi delivers the statements, it is important to note that the content she reads is still written and verified by human diplomats.
Ukraine’s ministry reveals that the visual aspect of Shi is generated by AI, while the statements are prepared and verified by human personnel. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba hailed the introduction of Shi as a “technological leap that no diplomatic service in the world has yet made,” citing the benefits of saving time and resources for diplomats. The avatar’s creation demonstrates Ukraine’s embrace of cutting-edge technology in its foreign ministry’s operations.
According to Ukraine’s ministry, the development of Victoria Shi was undertaken by a team known as The Game Changers, which has previously produced virtual reality content related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The main objective of creating Shi is to enhance efficiency by saving time and resources for human diplomats. Shi’s name combines the Ukrainian word for artificial intelligence, “shtuchniy intelekt,” and “victory,” symbolising the nation’s aspirations.
Shi’s appearance and voice are modelled on a real person, Rosalie Nombre, a singer and former contestant on Ukraine’s version of the reality show “The Bachelor.” Nombre, originally from the now Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, participated in the project free of charge. Nombre, who has a significant following on social media, often discusses stereotypes about mixed-race Ukrainians and Russian-speaking Ukrainians.
In her introductory video, Shi introduces herself as a digital person and says with her appointment, “We are taking a step into the future.”
Shi’s job as an AI diplomat involves informing the public about timely and verified information, primarily from Ukraine’s consular service. Additionally, she provides journalists with updates about the work of consulates in protecting the rights of Ukrainian citizens abroad. Shi also maintains an Instagram account with around 54,000 followers, where she discusses stereotypes about mixed-race Ukrainians and those who grew up as Russian speakers.
Meanwhile, regarding possible misuse, the ministry has implemented measures to combat deep fakes and misinformation by including a unique QR code with each of Victoria’s statements. This code links to the official text version of the statement on the ministry’s website, ensuring authenticity and credibility.
