Hong Kong's government is testing out a ChatGPT-style tool for its employees after OpenAI started to block access for users in the city and other regions.
Named "document assistance application for civil servants," this AI tool may eventually be available to the public, according to Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry Sun Dong.
The program, developed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in collaboration with other universities, aims to improve capabilities in areas such as graphics and video design.
Sun Dong shared these developments on a Saturday radio show, explaining the necessity of local innovation due to difficulties in securing subsidies from major tech companies like Microsoft and Google.
"Given Hong Kong's current situation, it's difficult… to get giant companies like Microsoft and Google to subsidize such projects, so the government had to start doing it," he explained.
The move comes as OpenAI implements extra steps to block access to its services in Hong Kong and other unsupported regions, citing unspecified reasons.
This initiative by Hong Kong's government highlights the city's push to advance its own AI capabilities amid growing global competition for AI supremacy, particularly between Beijing and Washington.
Hong Kong is not listed among the supported countries and territories by OpenAI, leading to local developments to bridge the gap.
This new tool reflects a broader trend where Chinese tech companies like Alibaba and Baidu have also developed similar AI models tailored to comply with local regulations.