The growing use of artificial intelligence across different fields has created as many threats as benefits, raising questions over whether the technology should be more closely regulated. Even though the authorities in Hong Kong argue that online actions are generally covered by legislation enacted to address crimes in the physical world, there have been calls for wider reforms whenever something goes wrong.
The institution responded that the student in question had received a warning letter and was asked to issue a formal apology to the affected classmates, adding that it would further review the case and take action when appropriate to ensure “a safe and respectful learning environment”.
Hong Kong does not have specific laws regulating AI. But the new technology does not fall outside the law. Officials say most legislations designed to prevent crimes in the physical world are in principle also applicable to the cyber world. The Crimes Ordinance was amended in 2021 to introduce offences related to the publication or threatened publication of intimate images without consent. These offences are also applicable to images altered by AI technology to depict an intimate body part or an intimate act of an individual, according to the government. Separately, various authorities have issued guidelines to promote responsible use of AI in different fields.
The rapid uptake of new technologies has left no room for complacency when it comes to regulation. The authorities must keep a constant and close watch on whether the existing laws can effectively deal with adverse consequences.
