Enjoy benefits of AI, but limit the risks

The development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow rapidly around the world and the technology is now widely utilised in Hong Kong.

While the benefits of embracing systems such as generative AI tool ChatGPT have, rightly, been heralded, the risks must also be recognised. The world is scrambling to develop guidelines and regulations.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in March providing for global efforts to ensure AI systems are “safe, secure and trustworthy”. But much work needs to be done to achieve these worthy objectives.

Hong Kong, aiming to become an innovation and technology hub, is seeking to ensure healthy development of the technology, adopting an incremental approach.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has issued guidelines to help businesses ensure their use of AI complies with the law. This is welcome.

Studies have shown that AI usage in the city is higher than other parts of the world, with small and medium enterprises increasingly adopting the tools. There is a clear need for guidance to ensure data privacy is protected.