Hong Kong should follow Taiwan in using AI to ease traffic and enhance public services

The appearance of artificial intelligence has set off an immediate backlash among people around the world. I believe that the scientists who work in this area are well intentioned. Nonetheless, this technology is often criticised for the adverse effect it could have on society if the people who are developing it go astray.

The Hong Kong government has set its sights on greater data transparency, but is not as determined as the Taiwanese government. For example, Taipei residents are encouraged to pay their water bills and use other public services through an online app. The government there has encouraged sharing services such as U-car, U-motor and Youbike, which have helped alleviate traffic congestion. However, in Hong Kong, there is traffic congestion not only in the central business district but North District as well.