Ukraine is using AI-powered avatars to help citizens access social services

AI-powered avatars revolutionize Ukrainian social services: The Ukrainian government has turned to AI-generated avatars to disseminate crucial information about social services amid the ongoing war with Russia, addressing the need for efficient and cost-effective communication.

The digital transformation initiative: Ukraine’s Ministry of Social Policy has launched an online platform to provide citizens with access to various social services, including pension programs, unemployment benefits, and healthcare assistance.

• The platform aims to reach citizens in temporarily occupied territories who may not have physical access to local social protection offices.
• AI-generated videos featuring realistic avatars explain how to use the new platform, create accounts, apply for benefits, and connect with social workers.
• The initiative is part of a broader government push to expand digital offerings and ensure accessibility of vital services during wartime.

Technology behind the avatars: The Ministry partnered with Synthesia, a London-based AI video company, to create these informative videos.

• Synthesia’s platform offers a library of over 230 AI avatars across various age groups and attire styles.
• The avatars can be assigned AI-generated voices from a pool of more than 140 options, speaking multiple languages and conveying different tones.
• The platform incorporates video editing tools and templates, allowing for wholly AI-generated content or manual edits to include user-uploaded images or videos.

Advantages of AI-generated content: The use of AI avatars addresses several challenges faced by the Ukrainian government during wartime.

• Time efficiency: The ministry can quickly edit and update videos without the need for reshoots.
• Cost-effectiveness: The approach eliminates the need for professional video editors and expensive equipment.
• Engagement: AI-generated human presenters are more likely to capture and maintain viewer attention compared to text-based information.
• Accessibility: The format is easily consumable via social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Impact and future plans: The collaboration between Synthesia and the Ministry of Social Policy has already shown promising results.

• Approximately 10 short videos have been produced since the partnership began in May.
• These videos have been used to train 20,000 social service professionals over the summer.
• The ministry expects to create many more videos as part of this ongoing collaboration.
• The ultimate goal is to simplify the process for citizens to receive the social support they are entitled to during these challenging times.

Broader applications of AI in Ukrainian governance: The use of AI-generated avatars extends beyond social services in Ukraine.

• In May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed an AI-generated spokesperson named Victoria Shi.
• This AI spokesperson aims to free up diplomats during wartime, allowing them to focus on critical tasks.
• The name “Victoria” symbolizes Ukraine’s main goal of victory, while “Shi” is an abbreviation of the Ukrainian words for artificial intelligence.

Analyzing deeper: Balancing innovation and human touch: While AI-generated avatars offer numerous benefits in crisis communication, it’s important to consider potential implications.

• The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of AI-generated content could lead to increased adoption in other government sectors and countries facing similar challenges.
• However, there may be concerns about the loss of human connection and empathy in delivering sensitive information about social services.
• As this technology evolves, finding the right balance between AI-driven efficiency and maintaining a human touch in government communications will be crucial for public trust and engagement.