(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said today that the Government will adopt a multi-pronged approach and reference overseas experiences to enhance the protection of minor users when managing artificial intelligence (AI) risks.

The Chief Executive’s Policy Address outlined that a dedicated task force on minors' use of social media will be established under a working group spearheaded by the Department of Justice. The task force will co-ordinate with relevant bureaus and departments to review the risks associated with the use of social media by minors, and assess the need for more targeted solutions, including legislative and administrative measures.

Mr Lam highlighted that the Government must take into account the particular circumstances of Hong Kong when identifying and designing the best possible solution.

“We have to consult overseas experience because we are all aware that in other jurisdictions, some rules and regulations, have already been introduced to regulate the use of AI by minors.

“And in some other jurisdictions, there are proposals to do so. But if you look at those rules and regulations, and look at those proposals, the content varies greatly.

“So what we have to do is to study the content of those overseas experiences and analyse to what extent they are effective.”

The Secretary for Justice emphasised that legislative intervention is only one of the options.

“For example, in the Policy Address, it is also mentioned that the Education Bureau will introduce suitable policy to educate minors (on how) to use AI in a more proper, responsible and perhaps safer manner.

“So, I would anticipate that the Government will adopt a multi-pronged approach, which may or may not involve legislative intervention, but that would depend on the results of our study and analysis.”

Mr Lam added that the Government will consult the public before launching any new measures.