New AI laws should target data governance, safety to build public confidence: experts

The Hong Kong government's commitment to tailored legislation for AI-related issues signals a recognition of the technology's evolving risks. By focusing on data governance and safety standards, the proposed laws aim to establish foundational guardrails for AI deployment. This approach suggests a proactive stance to manage the technology's impact rather than solely reacting to incidents.

Experts emphasize that defining liability boundaries is crucial, not only for legal clarity but also for fostering confidence among businesses and the public. Clear rules on who is accountable when AI systems cause harm could reduce investment hesitation and encourage broader adoption. This perspective highlights the link between regulatory certainty and market development.

The police force's identification of AI as a major cyber threat in 2026, with recorded cases of AI-generated materials used in scams and deepfakes for money laundering, provides a practical impetus for these legislative discussions. These specific examples illustrate the immediate challenges authorities face and underscore the need for legal frameworks that can address sophisticated AI-enabled criminal activities.