Source: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Civil servants now have access to an artificial intelligence tool designed to accelerate their work and increase productivity.
Cabinet members were introduced to the Microsoft Copilot tool today, marking the launch of its implementation across the public administration.
Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodimos Damianou said following the Cabinet meeting that the move represents a significant step in the digital modernisation of the public sector, forming part of broader efforts to harness artificial intelligence capabilities in government.
The implementation of tools such as Copilot will support civil servants in their daily work, facilitating and accelerating task completion whilst allowing them to focus on what holds genuine value, he said.
“Through automating simple actions, rapidly analysing large volumes of information and incorporating security mechanisms, this artificial intelligence tool gives us the ability to work more intelligently and save time with absolute protection of personal data and public information,” Damianou said.
The government is introducing the structured use of generative artificial intelligence tools in the public sector to control the security of data being processed, he added.
The deputy minister said the initial implementation phase will begin with the first 350 user licences, whilst training programmes will be conducted to ensure the technology is used safely, responsibly and with tangible impact on daily work.
The government is advancing a series of actions for broader adoption and utilisation of artificial intelligence in the public sector, he said, noting that through the AI in Government programme, with an initial investment of €5 million, businesses are being invited to develop AI-based solutions for genuine state challenges, from connecting education with the labour market to predicting extreme weather events.
Additional challenges have already been announced with more to follow, Damianou said, adding that the national AI Taskforce is working to complete the new national artificial intelligence strategy, which will include practical measures for its integration in both the public and private sectors.
These initiatives aim to build a modern digital governance model that embraces innovation and utilises technology, particularly artificial intelligence, as a tool for digital transformation and progress, he said.
Responding to a question, Damianou said Microsoft will conduct training sessions, with the tools integrated into computers or devices connected to Microsoft 365 for civil servants to use in their daily work, whether preparing studies, memos or managing routine tasks.
Asked about parliamentary discussion of banning social media use for persons under 16, the deputy minister said the government has already co-signed agreements at previous EU Councils for protecting minors online.
“On Friday I will be in Denmark where the issue will be discussed again. Our government will be among those governments that will participate in the age verification pilot that the President of the European Council has announced,” he added.
Responding to a follow-up question, Damianou said determining any age limit remains under discussion, emphasising that examining measures to protect minors online, including setting a specific limit, constitutes a priority.
He noted that any current age limit is not enforced by platforms, and implementation proves difficult.
Cyprus and member states working in this direction seek practical enforcement methods, he said, adding that determining the specific limit remains under discussion, with the government supporting serious examination of a concrete limit and implementation mechanisms.
(information from CNA)