Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants AI system to monitor social media, news websites

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) aims to purchase an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based IT system that can monitor real-time online content from social media platforms in order to counter disinformation, Hotnews.ro reported.

The AI will also monitor news websites, blogs, as well as the accounts of the most influential influencers such as journalists, celebrities, and dignitaries that may spread false information and propaganda.

MAE initiated an open tender on Saturday, June 10, for the acquisition of the AI-based IT monitoring system. The contract, estimated to be worth over RON 3.2 million (EUR 646,000) excluding VAT, is financed with EU funds and is expected to be implemented within four months, according to information from the Electronic Public Procurement System - SEAP - cited by Hotnews.ro.

The IT tool will be a web portal-based solution where designated representatives from MAE will access the necessary data and information. The AI system will monitor influencers, news websites, as well as the emotional impact produced by articles. The IT system will include, among other things, an online data collection module, either Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) or open source, for real-time monitoring of online content. The module should be capable of geographic segmentation, quick detection, interaction monitoring, public data, and metadata extraction, among others.

The contract includes training for the ministry's staff in using the developed IT tool. The tender specifications state that the data collection process from sources such as Facebook, Twitter, and others must ensure a minimum volume of 500GB of collected data per month, with no additional costs for the MAE.

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