NYT: Albania created minister with AI for curbing corruption, but then its creators were accused of corruption

The prestigious American Journal The New York Times has dedicated an article to the Albanian avatar known as Diella, promoted as the world's first government minister created by artificial intelligence, which aims to help fight corruption in Albania.

According to the paper, Diella has become a symbol of Prime Minister Edi Rama's efforts to boost transparency, at the time the country aims at membership in the European Union.

Dressed in traditional costumes and present at international conferences, it has attracted wide media attention as an example of integration of artificial intelligence into government.

But, The New York Times Stressing that the initiative faces a major paradox: heads of the state agency that created Diella have been put under investigation for manipulation of public tenders.

Prosecutors of a special investigative unit have put home-run director of the National Information Agency and its deputy, suspected of links to a criminal organisation allegedly manipulating applications for public contracts through investigation.

The agency also manages state digital infrastructure, including Diella herself.

Officials have not yet been formally charged, while Prime Minister Rama has declared he will refrain from the trial, stressing that “should wait and see”.

In practice, Diella helps citizens apply online for state services, avoiding long procedures and bribery. In the next phase, it is expected to assess the applications for public tenders, based on data and algorithms, with audience supervision.

The New York Times It underlines that fighting corruption is a key condition for Albania's EU membership. A European Union report from November estimates some advances, but stresses that corruption remains widespread in the most sensitive sectors, especially in public procurement.

International experts have estimated that Sunday has increased efficiency and impartiality in decision-making, but remain sceptical of its real impact, especially in the wake of accusations against the developers of the system.

“There is scepticism, but the fact that the investigation is not hidden indicates that the problem of corruption is being accepted and addressed”, expert Andy Hoxhaj has declared for the American newspaper.

Prime Minister Rama himself has stressed that, despite shortcomings and difficulties, Albania is trying to fight corruption.

This effort, with all its weaknesses, is a good step”, he said. /Periscope