New AI laws should target data governance, safety to build public confidence: experts
Hong Kong should enact laws on data governance and underlying safety standards to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), experts have said, as the government pledged to tackle disputes or crimes involving the technology’s application with tailored legislation. They also said that legislation was needed to define liability boundaries, which could bolster business and public…
Hong Kong should implement laws focused on data governance and safety standards to ensure responsible AI use, according to experts. The government aims to tackle disputes and crimes involving AI with specific legislation, addressing liability boundaries to enhance public confidence in its adoption. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced that authorities will examine new laws to combat cyber-enabled crimes.
A working group, led by the Department of Justice, will review if present laws adequately address liability issues from AI accidents or damage. Police have identified AI as one of the top five cyber threats in 2026, with cases of AI-generated materials used in scams and deepfakes to set up bank accounts for money laundering. Duncan Chiu, an Innovation and Technology sector lawmaker, emphasized that Hong Kong's legislation should prioritize data security, as laws may struggle to keep up with the rapid evolution of AI applications.
He pointed to China's Data Security Law as a reference, which established a tiered data protection system based on data importance and sensitivity. Mainland authorities implemented national data classification and grading in 2024, categorizing data into core, important, and general. Each sector is responsible for implementing data security standards relevant to their industry.
Leonard Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Innovative Technology Development Association, noted that while the city has AI application guidelines, their deterrent effect is insufficient to ensure responsible use. He suggested focusing on digital literacy, data security standards, and user auditing requirements, and proposed a "safe harbour" system to mitigate liabilities for users who follow stringent disclosure, auditing, and risk control measures.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok stated that while existing laws can address AI-related crimes, a review aims to create more targeted legislation to adapt to technological advancements and handle cases effectively. Legislator Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, a law professor, acknowledged the lack of codified laws governing AI in Hong Kong, with disputes primarily subject to common law principles and precedents.
She suggested criminalizing the production and possession of deepfakes to address concerns like reputational damage caused by their use.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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