Albania Appoints AI Chatbot to Tackle Corruption Amid Controversy

Albania Names AI Chatbot as New Corruption Minister TIRANA, Albania - In a move that has sparked both praise and criticism, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Thursday the appointment of Diella, an AI-powered chatbot, as the country's new corruption minister. The decision marks a significant shift in the government's approach to tackling corruption. According to Rama, Diella will aim to create a country where public tenders are transparent and free from bribery. "Diella, the first cabinet member who is not physically present but has been virtually created by AI, will be responsible for monitoring potential corruption within the government," Rama said in a statement. The chatbot, which was launched as a virtual assistant to help citizens navigate e-Albania, a digital platform for accessing government services, has been up and running since January. Built on OpenAI's large language model and Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, Diella was initially tasked with helping people interact with government systems. While some have hailed the appointment as a bold step towards modernizing governance, others have expressed concerns about the role of AI in decision-making processes. "This is a worrying trend that undermines the principles of accountability and transparency," said opposition leader Lulzim Basha. "A minister who is not accountable to the people or parliament cannot be effective in fighting corruption." Supporters of the move argue that Diella's appointment will bring much-needed efficiency and transparency to government processes. "This is a forward-thinking decision that recognizes the potential of AI to improve governance," said analyst Gjergji Vurmoja. "By leveraging technology, we can reduce bureaucracy and increase public trust in institutions." The appointment of Diella as corruption minister has also raised questions about the role of human oversight in government decision-making. While Rama has assured that human officials will continue to be responsible for making key decisions, critics argue that AI systems like Diella are inherently biased and may perpetuate existing power structures. As Albania continues to navigate its complex relationship with corruption, the appointment of Diella as corruption minister marks a significant turning point in the country's efforts to modernize governance. The government has announced plans to implement further reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in public institutions. In related news, the Albanian parliament is set to hold a special session next week to discuss the role of AI in decision-making processes and its implications for democratic governance. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Diella's appointment has sparked a national conversation about the future of governance in Albania. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*