R&D institute 'to set the standards for safe AI use'

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam on Tuesday said the city is committed to advancing digital developments through artificial intelligence while combating data misuse and privacy breaches, as outlined by the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan.

Officiating at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data's 30th anniversary privacy protection summit, he said the SAR's first five-year development plan, which could be rolled out as soon as the third quarter, would seek to deepen integration with overall national development.

One of the key measures is to get the artificial intelligence research and development institute into operational mode this year, he said.

"It will establish AI standards, building cross-sector and inter-regional AI collaboration platforms to promote AI standardisation and safe application," Lam said.

"The Hong Kong SAR government is, in short, determined to promote the safe and ethical use of AI."

Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung said her office would continue to support privacy work according to the city's policy blueprint.

"The development of AI must be steered by safety and driven by application," she said.

"In response, my office has already carried out compliance checks, issued numerous guidance materials, and also launched a series of educational seminars and workshops to help the local community and organisations innovate responsibly and safely."

Chung said the office also launched the International Data Privacy Academy on Tuesday to build the SAR into an international hub for high-caliber privacy professionals.

Edited by Tony Sabine ...