Ukraine Deploys AI Avatars to Bridge Communication Gap in Occupied Territories
Kyiv, Friday, 27 September 2024.
Ukraine’s government partners with AI company Synthesia to create informative videos for citizens, especially those in Russian-occupied areas. The initiative aims to provide crucial social care information and public service announcements, leveraging technology to overcome communication challenges during wartime.
The Need for AI in Social Care Communication
The Ukrainian government has been grappling with the challenge of reaching its citizens in territories temporarily occupied by Russian forces. Traditional communication channels are often disrupted, leaving many without access to essential information on healthcare, pensions, and social assistance programs. To bridge this gap, Ukraine’s Ministry of Social Policy has turned to AI-generated videos and avatars, developed in partnership with London-based AI company Synthesia, to deliver these critical messages.
How the AI Avatars Work
Synthesia’s technology allows for the creation of AI avatars that can deliver pre-recorded messages in a human-like manner. These avatars can be programmed to speak multiple languages and convey complex information in an engaging and easily understandable format. By replacing text-based communication with video content, the Ukrainian government aims to make information more accessible to all citizens, including those who may have literacy challenges or limited internet access.
Benefits of AI Communication
The use of AI avatars offers several advantages. Firstly, it ensures that information is consistently delivered without the risk of human error. This is particularly important in disseminating precise details about social programs and emergency procedures. Secondly, the video format is more engaging, which increases the likelihood that the audience will understand and retain the information. This method has already proven effective; during a summer trial, 20,000 social workers found the AI-generated video content more engaging and easier to digest than traditional text-based communications.
Addressing Challenges and Broader Implications
The partnership with Synthesia is part of a broader effort to maintain governance and social services even in the most challenging conditions. The initiative also reflects a growing trend of using AI to solve real-world problems beyond commercial applications. By leveraging AI, Ukraine not only addresses immediate communication challenges but also sets a precedent for how technology can be used in public administration, especially in crisis situations. The AI videos have already been used to train social sector professionals across Ukraine, saving time and resources for the Ministry of Social Policy.
The Role of Diia and Future Prospects
Ukraine’s digital governance app, Diia, has been instrumental in this transition. Initially launched to provide digital IDs and facilitate various government services, Diia has evolved to include features that support citizens during the war, such as filing claims for property damage and requesting evacuation assistance. The integration of AI avatars into this ecosystem represents the next step in Ukraine’s digital transformation. As the conflict continues, the ability to provide reliable, easily accessible information to all citizens will remain crucial. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar applications in other countries facing communication challenges due to conflict or natural disasters.