The historic Italian town of Acqui Terme introduced what is claimed to be the world’s first AI-generated virtual council member in June 2024 [1].
This move represents a significant shift in local governance by integrating generative artificial intelligence directly into the legislative process. While most municipalities use AI for backend administration, Acqui Terme is testing the technology as a participant in civic discourse.
The virtual member was implemented in Acqui Terme, located in the Piedmont region of Italy [2]. According to the mayor, the AI avatar is not intended to replace human lawmakers but to serve as a resource for the municipal council.
"She is there to help with discussions, reports, and policy ideas," the mayor said [1].
The mayor noted that the town is attempting to modernize its approach to administration through this digital integration. By utilizing the AI for drafting reports and brainstorming policy, the council aims to streamline its internal workflows—a process the mayor described as pioneering a new form of civic participation [1].
Local reactions to the virtual member have varied as the town navigates the balance between traditional governance and technological innovation. The AI's role remains advisory, focusing on the synthesis of information and the generation of ideas to support the human members of the council [1].
"We are pioneering a new form of civic participation with this virtual council member," the mayor said [1].
“"She is there to help with discussions, reports, and policy ideas."”
The introduction of a virtual council member in Acqui Terme signals a transition from AI as a tool for efficiency to AI as a collaborator in governance. While the current role is advisory, this precedent raises long-term questions regarding the transparency of AI-generated policy and the potential erosion of human accountability in local government decisions.
