Albanian Actress Files Lawsuit Over AI Minister's Use of Her Image
An Albanian actress has initiated legal proceedings against the government following the launch of the world's first artificial intelligence minister last year. Anila Bisha, a prominent film and theatre actor, claims that her face and voice were used without her permission to create the virtual minister known as Diella.
Legal Action Demands Immediate Removal
Citing a violation of her personal data, Bisha filed a formal request through an administrative court in Albania this week. She is demanding that the government immediately cease using her voice and image for the AI minister. "This is the first legal move to prevent the abuse of Anila's image," stated her lawyer, Aranit Roshi.
The Albanian government has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Background of the AI Minister
Albania garnered international attention in 2025 when Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the creation of Diella, described as the world's first AI minister. The virtual minister was designed to ensure that all public procurement tenders are handled completely free from corruption.
Diella is typically depicted in traditional Albanian national dress and is known for her sharp comebacks when interacting with government officials. Interestingly, the AI minister even "got pregnant" with more than 80 AI children, each intended to assist a member of parliament.
Contractual Dispute and Lack of Consent
Bisha acknowledged that she had signed a contract allowing her voice and image to be used for the government's online platform, e-Albania, which provides various public services. However, she emphasized that she was never informed about plans to use them for an AI minister.
"It was surprising when I heard the prime minister declare it," Bisha told The Associated Press. "I asked how this could happen without my knowledge, without anyone asking me if I wanted my image to be used or not."
She expressed concern that her image is now being used as a political statement, which she never intended.
Attempts at Resolution and Escalation
Bisha revealed that she had attempted to contact the government multiple times since Diella became part of the Albanian Cabinet in September 2025. After failing to receive a response to her requests for a meeting to discuss the issue, she decided to pursue legal action.
The temporary injunction filed with the administrative court demands an immediate halt to the use of her image for Diella. Her representatives plan to follow up with a formal lawsuit seeking damages and compensation.
"One cannot take away one's identity and do with it whatever they want," Bisha asserted, highlighting the core of her grievance.
Broader Context of AI Voice Controversies
This case is not the first instance where voices used in artificial intelligence platforms have sparked controversy. In 2024, OpenAI removed one of its ChatGPT voices, named Sky, after actor Scarlett Johansson claimed it sounded "eerily similar" to her own. OpenAI maintained that the voice was not Johansson's.
The situation in Albania raises significant questions about consent, data protection, and the ethical use of personal attributes in emerging technologies. As AI continues to integrate into governmental functions, such legal challenges may become more frequent, testing the boundaries of existing regulations and individual rights.
