The government of Hong Kong is developing its own AI-powered large language model (LLM) after OpenAI blocked access to its flagship ChatGPT in the city and other unsupported regions. The AI tool, known in Chinese as “document assistance application for civil servants,” is being initially launched for government employees, but plans are in place to make it publicly available after this year.
According to Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong, the project was developed through a collaboration between the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and several other institutions. The program’s independently developed LLM will be able to draft, translate, and summarize documents for government staffers at launch, with graphic and video design elements to be added in later updates.
“Given Hong Kong’s current situation, it’s difficult for Hong Kong to get giant companies like Microsoft and Google to subsidize such projects, so the government had to start doing it,” Sun said.
China, Hong Kong, and other neighboring territories have not been included on OpenAI’s list of “supported countries,” meaning that accounts accessing the company’s products from those regions may be blocked. OpenAI has not explained this exclusion, but China’s rigorous internet firewalls that censor online content may have played a role.
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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