Hong Kong’s planned “AI City Brain” will not use personal data or create privacy concerns, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said as the government prepares to introduce artificial intelligence into city management.
Lee made the remarks on Sept 17 during a question-and-answer session at the Legislative Council, a day after announcing the AI City Brain as part of his annual Policy Address.
The system is intended to connect data from different government departments and use artificial intelligence to analyse information, identify risks and provide early warnings and trend forecasts.
Its first phase will incorporate digital infrastructure from the Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre. The system is expected to help departments coordinate responses to extreme weather, major incidents and public-order situations.
The government also plans to use the technology to improve crowd management and visitor flows during major holiday periods, including China’s Golden Week.
Lee was responding to concerns from lawmakers about whether the large-scale data-sharing system could compromise personal privacy. He said the AI City Brain would not involve personal data and would therefore not create the privacy risks associated with the use of identifiable information.
The government plans to establish a dedicated task force led by Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan to oversee development of the system. Several departments, including those responsible for security, digital policy, development and transport, will take part.
Government departments will also upgrade their digital infrastructure so that information can be integrated into the broader system. The plan includes further development of Hong Kong’s spatial data infrastructure and 3D digital mapping to support a digital twin of the city.
Lee also stressed that Hong Kong needs to strengthen AI education and literacy as the technology becomes more widely used. He said young people should understand both the benefits and potential risks of relying heavily on AI.
The government is separately planning to create a new Commissioner for Artificial Intelligence to oversee areas of AI development and risk governance.
AI applications are expected to be expanded across sectors including finance, healthcare, law, construction, transport and social welfare. The government also plans to provide training and support for businesses and workers adopting the technology.
The initiative forms part of Hong Kong’s wider effort to develop its digital economy while introducing safeguards for the rapidly expanding use of artificial intelligence.
As the AI City Brain moves from planning to implementation, questions about data governance, cybersecurity and responsible AI use are expected to remain important alongside the government’s goal of using technology to improve public services and city management.
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