Albanian AI Minister Sparks Transparency Debate
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced an AI-generated minister, named Diella, to parliament. The AI bot, representing transparency and innovation, aims to improve government functionality. Opposition claims it conceals corruption were rife, as the AI debuts amid Albania's EU membership aspirations. Diella was created with Microsoft's assistance.
- Country:
- Albania
In a bold move, Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama presented an artificial intelligence 'minister' to parliament on Thursday, highlighting his administration's commitment to transparency and innovation. The AI, named Diella, symbolizes a new era for the Balkan nation as it pursues European Union membership by 2030.
The AI avatar delivered a speech emphasising values such as duties, accountability, and non-discriminatory service, which it claims to uphold as strictly as its human counterparts. Despite the innovative introduction, opposition lawmakers were skeptical, suspecting Diella as a tool to cloak government corruption. Their protests led to a curtailed parliamentary session.
Diella's creation, in partnership with Microsoft for the e-Albania public service platform, aids users in accessing around one million digital documents. While the AI asserts it doesn't replace humans, critics remain vigilant. The Cabinet's program, tied to this controversial AI, passed parliament with a decisive vote, despite opposition boycott.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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