Hong Kong to set up ‘AI city brain’ to boost disaster response and public safety

Hong Kong will create an “AI city brain” system to strengthen its response to extreme weather events, major incidents and public order management, while creating the role of artificial intelligence commissioner to tackle emerging challenges.

While the city’s first five-year plan set out a vision to advance technology development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu outlined seven key areas of AI risk governance in Wednesday’s policy address, including efforts to combat the use of AI in crime and introducing management guidelines for AI agents.

“We will push for AI development comprehensively … as it enhances efficiency in all aspects including governance,” Lee said.

“[But] global AI development is advancing so rapidly that I believe the world is thinking about how to promote its growth while properly managing the risks; [therefore we] introduce regulatory measures.”