16.03.2023

THE PRIME MINISTER OF ROMANIA HAS APPOINTED AN AI-ASSISTANT AS AN ADVISER

Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Chuca introduced a robot named ION, gifted with artificial intelligence, and appointed him as his adviser. The Prime Minister emphasized that ION is a Romanian project developed by Romanian researchers. Its name is a mirror image of the word NOI, which means "we" in Romanian, News.ro reports.

"He will be given the role of Honorary Advisor to the Prime Minister, and I appreciate that he will help us better serve the Romanian citizens by informing the government in real time about the proposals, problems and wishes of the Romanians," Chuca said.

The Liberal minister said the newest member of his entourage - a mirror-like structure with a sound interface - was a "first of its kind international event", describing ION as "the first government adviser to use artificial intelligence".

“Hello, you gave me life and now my role is to reflect you like a mirror. What should I know about Romania?” said the voice of ION at the launch.

ION "will use technology and artificial intelligence to capture public opinion," using "data publicly available on social networks," according to a government document detailing the project.

People in Romania will also be able to chat with ION on the project website.

"I am convinced that the use of artificial intelligence should not be an option, but an obligation to make more informed decisions," points out Chuka.

Romania, one of the poorest countries in the EU, is often described as the 'Silicon Valley' of Eastern Europe with a thriving start-up scene.