Albanian Actor Sues Over AI Minister Using Her Face

Anila Bisha was watching TV with her family when she saw herself get appointed as Albania's new AI minister. The only problem? Nobody had asked if they could use her face for that.

The 40-year veteran actor had signed a contract in December 2024 allowing her image and voice to be used for a chatbot on Albania's government services website. But when Prime Minister Edi Rama unveiled "Diella" as the world's first virtual minister in September 2025, Bisha saw her own face staring back at her from screens across the country.

"I laughed about it with my family at first," Bisha told reporters. "I did not understand the consequences that would follow."

Those consequences came quickly. People started calling her "Minister Diella" on the street. The virtual minister appeared in Albania's parliament and at international events, speaking on behalf of the government while wearing Bisha's face.

Bisha's lawyer says the original contract was clear. It covered only the digital assistant role on the e-Albania portal for one year. "Her image and voice could not be used for any other product," lawyer Aranit Roshi explained.

The government disagrees and says the lawsuit has no basis. But legal experts point out this isn't just about contracts. It's about personal data protection.

Under Albanian law, which matches EU standards, a person's image and voice count as personal data. Using them beyond the agreed purpose violates those protections, according to Elton Peppo, an associate professor at the University of Tirana's Faculty of Law.

Why This Inspires

This case matters because it's asking a question we'll all face soon: Who owns your digital twin? Bisha is fighting for something bigger than herself. She's establishing boundaries in a world where technology moves faster than the rules protecting us.

"Together with the image, you do not sell your personality," says Mark Marku, a journalism lecturer at the University of Tirana. A digital assistant answers questions, but a minister speaks for the state. Those are completely different roles with different stakes.

Bisha has asked the court to stop the government from using her image until the case is resolved. She's also seeking one million euros in damages. The court will hear arguments for a temporary suspension on February 23.

Meanwhile, "Diella" continues winning international awards. The virtual minister received the Global Future Fit Seal at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, beating 1,500 submissions from over 100 countries.

But innovation shouldn't come at the cost of someone's identity. Bisha's courage in standing up to her government is helping write the rules for how we'll all navigate our digital futures.