Hong Kong Issues Stark Warning On AI Legal Risks

The Double Edged Sword of AI

Hong Kong's technology minister has issued a stern warning to the public, labeling artificial intelligence a "double-edged sword" and stressing that users must accept full legal responsibility for how they use it. The government is making it clear that while AI offers great convenience and economic benefits, the accountability for any illegal acts rests solely with the user.

University AI Misuse Sparks Official Concern

This strong statement follows a disturbing incident where a law student at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) allegedly used AI tools to create pornographic images of female classmates. The student reportedly used publicly available photos and social media screenshots to generate the fake content. The university has since issued a warning letter and is reviewing the case. In a more serious move, the city's privacy watchdog has launched a criminal investigation into the matter. The incident has also caught the attention of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who has committed to reviewing international AI regulations and best practices for governance.

User Accountability Ahead of HK Chat Launch

Minister Sun Dong emphasized that AI is ultimately just a tool, and users must bear the liability for its application. This warning is particularly timely as Hong Kong prepares to launch "HK Chat," a free, locally developed AI tool powered by mainland China's DeepSeek, in the second half of this year. The government is urging future users to be fully aware of their legal responsibilities before the new technology becomes widely available.