Romanian politicianRomania experimenting with facial recognition AI for tax fraud, introducing AI chatbots for public services

Romania is experimenting with using facial recognition AI to fight tax fraud by catching people who travel abroad with undeclared products, as well as introducing AI chatbots for public services.<br><br>The country, which was the only member state to record a decrease in revenue in 2022, is testing AI chatbots to offer help with procedures and tax forms for the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) as part of efforts to maximise tax collection.<br><br>The AI-powered system features virtual customer service agents that aid users navigate the ANAF website, and assist them with tasks like generating tax certificates, claims, and filling in forms. <br><br>"Within the framework of this project, we have started testing an AI-powered chatbot that will offer support with procedures and forms on the ANAF website. The project has a duration of six months, and the chatbot is planned to be put into production in the first quarter of 2024," said the head of the Spanish technology company Fevereiro, which won the tender to supply Romania with the AI system for $245 000.<br><br>The AI chatbot is set to be developed and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Digitalization, the Ministry of Finance, and the National System for Digital Identity, Authentication and Electronic Signature (SINTESI).