Russia’s Environmental Regulator Is Hiring AI Assistants
The country’s environmental watchdog is expanding its use of digital tools to both monitor compliance and support citizens and businesses.
Russia’s Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources, known as Rosprirodnadzor, is planning to roll out several new artificial intelligence–based tools in the near future, according to the agency’s head, Svetlana Radionova. One AI assistant will handle incoming citizen requests and support staff at subordinate organizations and field inspectors. Another will focus on processing large volumes of data.
Smart algorithms already in use compare databases and flag potential violations, helping inspectors identify entities that may be evading their obligations. Remote Earth observation systems are also being used to detect illegal mining, ground collapses linked to improperly closed mining sites, and other environmental violations.
Through a personal online portal, companies and individuals can now file environmental reports, monitor environmentally hazardous facilities, submit documents, and access government services. With the shift to digital workflows, the time needed to prepare a report has been cut from several days to just 10 minutes.
Monitor and Assist
Radionova presented these developments to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who urged the agency to accelerate the modernization of its internal processes.
Russia’s supervisory authorities are increasingly moving toward digital technologies. Drones and artificial intelligence are now being used to inspect agricultural enterprises and monitor land use and forest resources.
