Hong Kong police launch AI-powered national security platform for school pupils

Hong Kong's police have unveiled an AI-driven platform aimed at educating school pupils about national security. The NSmarties AI Interactive Platform was officially introduced on October 6, 2026, at Precious Blood Primary School in Ap Lei Chau, with around 700 students in attendance, according to a police social media update. Police Commissioner Joe Chow emphasized during the ceremony that the program sought to "instill a sense of national security in students' minds," as reported by the official post.

Co-developed by Hong Kong's police force and Qianfan Technology, the platform enables students to create customized narratives centered around China's comprehensive approach to national security as outlined by President Xi Jinping. This framework encompasses political, economic, ecological, and technological aspects. The NSmarties platform also incorporates audio content featuring police commissioner Chow and security chief Chris Tang, who elucidate the city's national security laws and security intelligence.

The ceremonial unveiling of NSmarties represents a significant step in integrating innovative technology into national security education within Hong Kong's schools, as stated by the police. The platform's initial presentation occurred on National Security Education Day in April, but a full public rollout was delayed until the recent ceremony.

Since the 2019 protests and unrest, Hong Kong has ramped up its national security education in tandem with a stricter enforcement of the national security law enacted by Beijing in 2020. This legislation, directly incorporated into the city's mini-constitution in June 2020, criminalized subversion, secession, collaboration with foreign entities, and terrorist acts.

The broad definitions of these offenses have granted police extensive powers, resulting in numerous arrests and the disappearance of civil society groups. Authorities maintain that these measures have upheld stability and peace in the city, countering allegations from trade partners, the UN, and non-governmental organizations.