Data privacy academy 'can help HK cope with AI risks'

The Hong Kong International Data Privacy Academy was set up with the aim of helping people and organisations cope with the risks and challenges posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ada Chung said on Friday.

The academy's establishment this month comes as complaints lodged with her office increased by at least 20 percent so far this year amid swift advancement of digital technologies, she said.

"We have noticed that most of the users are not aware of the risks involved in their use of AI, in particular the privacy risks, and that is why we do believe that, through the academy, we can also support the government initiative of 'AI for All'," Chung said.

"Since 2021, we have published a series of guidance materials on AI," she said, adding that the academy can offer a range of courses that help people cope with the risks of AI usage.

"We believe that through our seminars and workshops, we can help members of the public to use AI responsibly and safely."

Chung says that her office hopes, through the academy, to actively align with the country's 15th Five-Year Plan in supporting Hong Kong's development as a hub for high-calibre talent in the area of data privacy.

"We also believe that through leveraging Hong Kong's role as a gateway, we will be able to provide a platform for introducing the data-privacy framework in Hong Kong and also the Chinese mainland to other jurisdictions and also vice versa."

The academy will provide in-person as well as online training on a range of topics, from introductory seminars to dialogues with experts.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...