OpenAI, Microsoft, Google limiting AI chatbot access in Hong Kong: report
US tech giants OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google have reportedly restricted access to their chatbot services in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy protesters have faced crackdowns and censorship from the Chinese Communist Party in recent years. The Wall Street Journal reported that none of these companies have provided a formal explanation for the move, but experts believe that they are wary of running afoul of a widely-criticized national security law that allows the Chinese government to censor content and crackdown on dissent in semi-autonomous Hong Kong. The report noted that some Hong Kong residents are still accessing the chatbot services through the use of virtual private networks, or VPNs, which allows users to mask their online identity and location, or through the use of other third-party apps.
The wider crackdown on free speech in Hong Kong has been fully displayed recently when officials sought to block online platforms from hosting a popular protest song titled “Glory to Hong Kong.” Hong Kong’s government has also attempted to block Google from displaying the anthem in its search results – a demand that the US tech giant has denied. The Chinese government has a long history of censoring online discussion and the use of non-approved social media platforms.
Despite the restriction of access to ChatGPT in Hong Kong and mainland China, ChatGPT creator OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman called for increased collaboration between the US and China on the development of AI during a virtual weekend appearance at a Beijing conference.
FAQs:
What chatbot services have been restricted in Hong Kong by US tech giants OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google?
OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google have reportedly restricted access to their respective chatbot services for Hong Kong-based users.
Why have these tech companies restricted access to their chatbot services in Hong Kong?
None of the companies have provided a formal explanation for the move, but experts believe that they are wary of running afoul of a widely-criticized national security law that allows the Chinese government to censor content and crackdown on dissent in semi-autonomous Hong Kong.
Can Hong Kong residents still access chatbot services from these tech companies?
The report noted that some Hong Kong residents are still accessing the chatbot services through the use of virtual private networks, or VPNs, which allows users to mask their online identity and location, or through the use of other third-party apps.
What is the wider crackdown on free speech in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong authorities have attempted to block online platforms from hosting a popular protest song titled “Glory to Hong Kong” and have also attempted to block Google from displaying the anthem in its search results. The Chinese government has a long history of censoring online discussion and the use of non-approved social media platforms.
Report: OpenAI, Microsoft and Google Restricting AI Chatbot Accessibility in Hong Kong
Three major US tech companies, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google, have limited access to their AI chatbot services in Hong Kong, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. Experts suggest that the companies are wary of breaking the national security law that allows the Chinese government to censor content and crackdown on dissent in semi-autonomous Hong Kong. None of the services have explained their reasoning for the restrictions, and representatives of the three firms refused to comment on why and are said to be working on expanding services to other locations. Some Hong Kong residents are accessing the services through virtual private networks (VPNs) or with third-party apps. In February, Chinese regulators instructed leading tech companies to prevent the integration of ChatGPT on their platforms. Despite the limitations, OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, called for increased collaboration with China on AI at a conference in Beijing.