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Regulation

Regulation
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Regulation. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Hong Kong authorities can punish those who refuse to provide passwords for electronic devices during national security investigations under new rules. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong makes it illegal to deny device passwords in national security probes

Under amended rules to national security law, authorities can order removal of dangerous online messages but give assurance people’s daily lives unaffected.

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Cryptocurrency

Has Hong Kong laid the groundwork to become a world-leading crypto hub?

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China economy

How China plans to use new law to further its financial superpower ambitions

Hong Kong stock market

SFC prepares to inspect Hong Kong IPO listing sponsors amid quality concerns

Market regulator will soon begin inspection of investment banks amid concerns about deficiencies in listing documents and misconduct.

The inspection will focus on whether banks have complied with a circular outlining expectations on staffing and quality controls when handling IPOs, according to the SFC. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
Hong Kong stock market

SFC urges Hong Kong stock exchange to tighten listing, compliance rules

The Securities and Futures Commission made several recommendations to improve the stock exchange’s regulations.

Japan

Will Japan follow Australia’s lead and ban children from social media?

A new panel is studying how prolonged social media exposure affects young people, with youth suicide among issues likely to be addressed.

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IPO

China’s tightened IPO rules for some ‘red chips’ in Hong Kong raise concerns

The CSRC asks some Hong Kong listing candidates to change their red-chip structure and issue H shares.

The CSRC is tightening listing rules for some firms seeking listings in Hong Kong. Photo: Jelly Tse
Artificial intelligence

HKGAI to launch world’s first governed AI agent network amid OpenClaw frenzy

System aims to let AI agents collaborate under strict rules, as HKGAI rolls out tools for school selection, budgeting and racing data.

Artificial intelligence

AI poisoning: fake fitness tracker fools chatbots in China, sparking outcry

A report on CCTV’s high-profile investigative programme shows how easily bad actors can post false information to game chatbot results.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong to tighten moneylending rules to tackle debt collector harassment

Authorities will impose measures such as stricter borrowing caps and ban loan referees in August.

A pedestrian walks past a moneylending advertisement in Hong Kong. Photo: Felix Wong
Artificial intelligence

China’s OpenClaw users paid to install viral AI. Now they spend to remove it

The shift comes as top cybersecurity expert warns country now home to 40 per cent of global assets linked to OpenClaw.

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The logo of OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant, is seen on the software’s website in this illustration picture taken March 12. Photo: Reuters
Artificial intelligence

China’s financial institutions draw line on OpenClaw as AI frenzy spreads

The automated agent requires unusually high levels of access to user devices, raising security concerns.

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Women and gender

Opinion | To make AI safe, put women and girls at the heart of the technology

From deepfake porn to harassment, digital abuse disproportionately targets women and girls, supercharging the harm.

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Artificial intelligence

Chinese local governments offer OpenClaw subsidies as security questions linger

Shenzhen and Wuxi pledge subsidies to fuel OpenClaw adoption even as analysts warn of a ‘tricky trade-off between ease of use and privacy’.

Since its release in late December, OpenClaw has been a runaway success globally. Photo: Shutterstock
Two Sessions 2026

China’s top court says it treats AI cases with care without stifling innovation

Supreme People’s Procuratorate says 4,739 individuals prosecuted last year in cases related to ‘data security breaches’.

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In an annual work report presented to the NPC, the president of China’s supreme court says courts “properly adjudicated cases” involving AI and “accurately grasped the ‘margin for error’ in technological innovation”. Photo: Reuters
Vietnam

Why Vietnam’s new AI law makes it proving ground for Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s first law on AI could raise the bar from voluntary guidelines to binding legal frameworks across the region, analysts say.

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Two Sessions 2026

China pledges full support for tech sector with broad range of new policies

China’s top economic officials outline plans to support tech firms with stock market reforms and measures to stimulate demand.

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China society

Opinion | Quietly, steadily, animal rights campaigners are making headway in China

With national laws the ultimate goal, progress is being made, one local regulation and court case at a time.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Two Sessions 2026

How China could untangle its private firms’ complex debt burdens

As private businesses grapple with cash flow challenges, entrepreneurs say they want the settling of outstanding debts to be made a priority.

Australia

Australia mulls forcing app stores, search engines to axe unsafe AI services

From March 9, internet services that do not restrict users under 18 from receiving pornography, violence or self-harm content will be fined.

Banking & finance

HSBC signals intent to join Hong Kong’s stablecoin regime amid digital hub push

Georges Elhedery declined to confirm whether HSBC applied for stablecoin licence but indicated that discussions with regulator were ongoing.

HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery poses for a photograph in Hong Kong on February 26, 2026. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Artificial intelligence

Opinion | As AI agents advance, Hong Kong should shape the rules now

By leveraging the Hong Kong-Shenzhen innovation hub as a cross-border testing ground, the city can set the standard for responsible AI governance.

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A girl plays with a robot during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference at the Shanghai World Expo and Convention Centre in Shanghai on July 28, 2025. Photo: AFP
India

Opinion | How India can lead the charge for inclusive AI

The AI Impact summit showcased India’s commitment to placing human well-being at the heart of the global artificial intelligence conversation.

Science

EU bans Chinese organisations from critical tech programmes, including AI, chips

Chinese space scientist Wu Ji doubts the policy will hurt China much and may instead ‘make Europe appear more isolated’.

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Hong Kong politics

Opinion | Government must reflect on its failures as we enter Year of the Horse

The past year has been a difficult one and it is important for the administration to assess its performance and embrace change.

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A patron passes the “Celebrating the Year of the Horse” exhibition at The Art Museum at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, on January 23. Photo: Jonathan Wong
China’s crackdowns

China charges former AstraZeneca executive – a sign of the times?

Foreign drug makers face pressure in the Chinese market, from tighter regulatory oversight to growing local competition.

In January, AstraZeneca announced plans to invest US$15 billion in China, its second-largest market. Photo: Shutterstock
United States

California court begins social media trial amid mental health concerns

The case ‌will determine whether Instagram and YouTube harmed a woman’s mental health through addictive app design, testing Big Tech’s liability.

China’s private sector

China’s Kuaishou slapped with US$17 million fine after explicit content probe

The fine comes days after a separate e-commerce penalty, adding pressure on China’s No 2 short-video platform to tighten controls.

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