While Hong Kong lacks a comprehensive national AI strategy, it has made significant strides in developing AI guidelines and sector-specific policies:
- The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) issued ethical AI guidelines focusing on accountability, transparency, and data privacy.
- The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published principles for banks using AI, highlighting governance and explainability.
- The government developed an Ethical AI Framework for internal use in IT projects.
Hong Kong's 2023 Policy Address identified AI and data science as key areas, with plans to establish a Digital Policy Office to manage digital policies and data governance.
Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) establishes a principles-based approach to data privacy. The PCPD, as an independent regulator, has been active in international discussions on AI ethics and data protection:
- Co-sponsored the 2020 Global Privacy Assembly Resolution on AI Accountability
- Issued guidance recommending human oversight and intervention in AI systems
- Co-sponsored the 2023 GPA Resolution on Generative AI
However, recent amendments to the PDPO to address doxxing have raised concerns about potential restrictions on dissenting opinions.
Hong Kong faces ongoing concerns about AI surveillance, particularly in relation to mainland China:
- The government banned face masks during 2019 anti-government protests
- Implementation of the "StayHomeSafe" app and tracking bracelet for COVID-19
- Rollout of smart city initiatives with limited public engagement on privacy concerns
The Hong Kong National Security Law and development of facial recognition technology by local companies have heightened fears about increased AI-powered surveillance.
While Hong Kong has not ratified the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is subject to key international human rights covenants. However, Freedom House rates Hong Kong as only "partly free" due to increasing political control from Beijing.
Hong Kong is not a member of the OECD or G20 and has not endorsed their AI Principles. As part of China, it has adopted the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, though implementation measures are not yet in place.
Hong Kong is making progress in developing AI guidelines and ethical frameworks, particularly in the financial sector. However, the region faces significant challenges in balancing AI innovation with privacy protections and human rights concerns, especially given its complex political relationship with mainland China.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/