Albania has made a historic leap in digital governance by appointing artificial intelligence "Diella" as the first AI cabinet member. This breakthrough aims to combat corruption and optimize government services.
AI in Government
"Diella" is the world’s first artificial intelligence appointee to hold a government role. She oversees all government procurement, which is crucial given the context of corruption scandals. The AI was already acting as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping users obtain various documents such as driver’s licenses and pension applications. According to officials, "Diella" has processed over 36,600 digital documents.
Part of a Global Trend
The launch of "Diella" reflects a broader trend of implementing artificial intelligence in governmental structures. This decision follows Ukraine’s introduction of "Victoria Shi," an AI spokesperson for foreign affairs updates in 2024. However, while Albania actively embraces AI, the country remains cautious about cryptocurrencies, continuing to warn about their risks.
Combating Corruption
Albania’s political landscape has long been clouded by corruption. In 2023, former environment minister Lefter Koka was sentenced to six years in prison for accepting a multimillion-euro bribe. The persistent scandals have significantly hampered Albania's ambitions to join the European Union, a goal the country has pursued since becoming a candidate in 2014.
Albania's new step with the appointment of AI "Diella" highlights the country’s push towards innovation in governance, yet the future risks and accountability issues in utilizing such technologies remain open.
