Government unveils guideline on generative AI

The government published the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline on Tuesday, aiming to provide practical operational guidance for different stakeholders in the application of generative AI.

The guideline covers the scope and limitations of applications, potential risks and governance principles of generative AI technology, including technical risks such as data leakage, model bias, and errors that need to be addressed.

It also offers recommendations for developers, service providers, and users on their respective roles, rights, liabilities, and obligations.

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) said the guidebook’s primary objective is constructing a governance framework with local characteristics that is suitable for the Hong Kong context for all stakeholders in the AI ecosystem.

Speaking at the the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, Commissioner for Digital Policy Tony Wong Chi-kwong expressed hope that the guideline would help balance AI innovation, application and responsibility. 

“The government hopes that the guideline can facilitate the industry and the public in developing and applying generative AI technology in a safe and responsible manner, while encouraging innovative applications of AI, mitigating risks, and fostering the widespread adoption of generative AI in Hong Kong.”

The DPO announced the guideline after commissioning a government-backed joint-university collaborative venture, Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), to study and suggest appropriate codes and rules.

(Jamie Liu)