Policy Address 2026: Hong Kong to appoint AI commissioner and consider deepfake laws – leader John Lee

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee announced plans to appoint an AI Commissioner and consider legislation to address deepfake technology in his annual Policy Address. This new Commissioner, part of the government's Digital Policy Office, will support various departments in combating AI-related criminal activities. The Law Reform Commission, responsible for evaluating Hong Kong's laws, is currently reviewing cybercrime legislation with input from the public on potential measures to tackle deepfakes.

The government is also exploring further legislation in this area. Parallel to these developments, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has raised concerns over the growing use of deepfakes for scams worldwide, including in Hong Kong. In other AI-related initiatives, the Hong Kong Tourism Board plans to introduce AI-generated travel recommendations on its website, while RTHK, the government broadcaster, aims to improve production quality using AI to reach a broader audience.

Lee's announcement also includes the "AI for All" initiative, which will offer more than 200 training sessions to promote responsible AI use across various industries such as tourism, finance, and broadcasting.