Cyprus is set to introduce a new AI-powered digital assistant on its gov.cy platform from 18 December 2024, offering citizens round-the-clock access to government information services.
Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, announced the initiative as part of the broader “Digital Citizen” project, marking the government’s first implementation of generative AI technology in public services.
The chatbot-style assistant, developed in partnership with Microsoft, will communicate in Greek, English and Greeklish, operating similarly to ChatGPT through a conversational interface.
The initial release will focus on Social Insurance Services, addressing the most frequently asked questions from citizens. For instance, expectant fathers can enquire about paternity benefits, including payment amounts, duration, and access relevant documentation.
“The more users interact with it, the more it learns,” said Damianou, though he emphasised that the assistant cannot provide legal advice or handle personal data. The next phase will expand to include Welfare Benefits services.
Microsoft’s CEO for Greece, Cyprus and Malta, Yianna Andronopoulou, said the digital assistant would complement existing gov.cy services by providing “reliable and authoritative answers to citizens’ questions”.
“We are pleased to partner with the Cypriot government on this new journey as it moves into an AI-focused era that will bring greater prosperity to all,” Andronopoulou added.