The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has raised complex ethical, legal, and societal questions. From deepfake technologies and bias in machine learning to concerns over job displacement and autonomous decision-making, AI profoundly impacts society. Recognizing these challenges, the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit held in Paris in February called for international cooperation and regulatory oversight to ensure AI’s sustainable and ethical development.
One key aspect of AI regulation is balancing innovation with regulation. Overregulation can stifle technological progress, while lax oversight may lead to misuse and unintended consequences. The European Union has taken a proactive stance with its substantial 200-billion-euro ($227-billion) investment in AI, signaling a commitment to fostering responsible advancement. The United States’ and United Kingdom’s reluctance to sign the Paris declaration at the summit suggests a preference for self-centered frameworks, potentially prioritizing commercial and strategic interests over collective governance for public interest and the planet.
It is not only harmful for the rest of the world, but also hurtful for those countries which neglect the importance of regulation in a minimum and necessary way to develop AI to fit everyone’s needs.
It is worth noting that the absence of AI-specific laws in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region poses significant risks. AI is a self-evolving and fast-emerging technology, and some experts even predict it may develop human-like consciousness. Its unpredictability raises important questions regarding liability for AI-related malfunctions, the responsibilities of developers, and the transparency of algorithms. Scientists emphasize that “trust is the new gold”, as public confidence in AI systems will be critical to their widespread adoption. Yet, most governments, including the HKSAR’s, have yet to recognize the full implications of AI, let alone undertake the necessary legal groundwork.
Beyond domestic regulation, AI governance has major geopolitical implications. Without proper oversight, AI-driven nations may wage war on smaller or developing countries, and world powers could use AI to strategize conflicts. Some argue that drone warfare is already outdated and that the future will see AI-powered conflicts on a global scale. Thus, AI regulation is not just a national issue but a challenge in international law and diplomacy.
Hong Kong, positioned at the crossroads of East and West, with its business-friendly environment and robust rule of law, is uniquely positioned to contribute to this growing global AI landscape. As a leading financial and technological hub, it can serve as a bridge between different regulatory approaches, fostering dialogue and collaboration among major AI stakeholders. However, for Hong Kong to maintain its competitive edge, it cannot sleep on its AI legislation and must adopt a forward-thinking approach to ensure its place in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The hope is that more nations, including the US and UK, will recognize the importance of multilateral cooperation in shaping AI’s future. With responsible governance, ethical oversight, and international collaboration, AI can be harnessed for the benefit of humanity and the planet, ensuring an innovative and inclusive future
As AI becomes adapted into various sectors — finance, healthcare, urban planning, law, and public services — Hong Kong’s role as a technology hub is vital for ensuring AI’s responsible development and deployment. The city’s strong legal framework, intellectual property protections, talent policies, and emphasis on international collaboration make it an attractive destination for AI research and investment.
Moreover, Hong Kong plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-border cooperation, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government to discuss best practices and establish regulatory guidelines. Its multilingual and multicultural environment allows it to bridge gaps between Western and Chinese governance philosophies, ensuring more inclusive and effective AI policies.
The absence of the US and the UK from the AI Action Summit’s list of signatories highlights the need to make efforts in getting the consensus of all in AI governance. Hong Kong, with its unique position as a global connector, can play a vital role in mediating these differences and fostering international collaboration.
While AI has immense potential, it is ultimately a technological tool created by humans to help humans. Ensuring oversight in AI development is essential for mitigating risks and maximizing benefits. Ethical considerations must remain at the forefront of AI innovation, preventing issues such as algorithmic bias, privacy violations, and unintended consequences in automated decision-making.
The AI Action Summit’s emphasis on ethical and safe AI governance aligns with the broader goal of maintaining human control over AI systems. Transparency in AI decision-making, accountability for AI-generated outcomes, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in AI development are crucial to creating a fair and equitable AI landscape.
Educational institutions play a key role in preparing future generations for AI-driven societies. In December, the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit held in Hong Kong highlighted the importance of AI literacy, ensuring students and faculties understand AI’s implications and ethical considerations. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating AI ethics into curriculums, universities can shape responsible AI leaders and policymakers for the future.
Hong Kong’s education sector, boasting five of the top-100 universities worldwide, with its emphasis on international collaboration, can serve as a model for AI education and policy development. By leveraging its position as a global knowledge hub, Hong Kong can drive discussions on AI ethics, regulatory frameworks, and best practices, contributing to a more responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem.
Hong Kong’s role as a technology and education hub positions it as a vital player in AI governance. As a global superconnector, it bridges gaps between regulatory approaches, fostering collaboration among AI stakeholders. As AI continues to reshape societies, ensuring human involvement in its development and governance remains paramount.
The hope is that more nations, including the US and UK, will recognize the importance of multilateral cooperation in shaping AI’s future. With responsible governance, ethical oversight, and international collaboration, AI can be harnessed for the benefit of humanity and the planet, ensuring an innovative and inclusive future.
The author is a legislative councilor, barrister-at-law, member of the Committee for the Basic Law of the HKSAR, chairman of the Basic Law Education Association, and a law professor at the City University of Hong Kong.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
