Editorial | AI guidelines support innovation and target those who exploit tech in Hong Kong
Hong Kong takes welcome steps to ensure artificial intelligence is beneficial to society and not a danger
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been advancing at an astonishing pace, raising concerns about how the technology will change the world – and how soon. It is good to see Hong Kong taking timely action to craft policies to help ensure AI tools are beneficial rather than threats to human safety.
Commissioner for Digital Policy Tony Wong Chi-kwong has called for a ban on generative AI systems that may pose such threats, and for extensive supervision of AI software used in critical infrastructure.
Wong made his call last month at the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit. Hosting 1,000 local and overseas participants for the first such event held outside the mainland, the city showed how it can serve as a bridge and two-way platform linking China with the rest of the world in AI development.
Wong showcased the city’s new technical and application guidelines for generative AI tools to “balance AI innovation, application and responsibility” and build a governance framework tailored for local characteristics and all stakeholders.
The guidelines aim to facilitate the “safe and responsible” development and application of generative AI.
The guidelines had input from the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre, which studied how other jurisdictions have applied the technology.
