Policy-related
Overall Policy
The government published the "Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development BlueprintThe document identifies "promoting the development of the digital economy and building a smart Hong Kong" and "accelerating the pace of Hong Kong's digital economy and smart city development to enhance the quality of life for residents" as one of the four major development directions and eight key strategies. It clarifies our data-driven development approach and strategy for seizing opportunities in the digital economy, actively aligning with the broader national development landscape.
Data Policy
The government announced in 2018Open Data PolicyThe Government clearly requires all policy bureaux/departments (bureaus/departments) to strive to open data to the public. As stipulated in theChief Executive's 2024 Policy AddressThe government has compiled a departmental data catalog for 2025 to promote data openness and sharing among policy bureaux and departments.
Data represents a new factor of production in the digital economy era. Effective data governance plays a strategic role in driving the digital transformation and high-quality development of society and the economy. The principles and strategies of data governance must be holistic, ensuring the secure flow of data while maximizing the effectiveness of data resources. The government has consistently pursued a multi-track strategy encompassing policies, legislation, guidelines, and infrastructure support. This approach promotes data sharing and utilization, fosters open connectivity, and strengthens data security safeguards.
The Digital Office launched its Data Governance Portal in December 2024, simultaneously releasing theData Governance PrinciplesThe Government's Guiding Principles on Data Governance This document outlines the guiding principles established by the government for data governance. These principles aim to enhance data quality and reliability, promote data circulation and sharing, and strengthen data protection. They are designed to support government departments and all sectors of society in better utilizing data to drive development through data-driven approaches.
Guiding Principles for Data Governance:
- The government has consistently adhered to the fundamental principle of data openness and sharing. The opening, sharing, and application of data must comply with relevant regulations. Regarding personal data, its opening, sharing, and application must comply with relevant data protection principles and will only be conducted in accordance with relevant regulations.
- Ensuring data security is fundamental to achieving data openness and sharing. The open sharing and application of data must be balanced with data security, encompassing safeguards for data content, data sharing and flow, and data usage.
- Apply corresponding data governance principles to different categories of data to balance open access and protection standards.
Cross-border Data Flow Policy
In June 2023, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) and the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) signed theMemorandum of Cooperation on Facilitating Cross-Border Data Flow in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay AreaThe Digital Office and the Cyberspace Administration of China jointly launched the "Guidelines for Promoting Cross-Border Data Flow in the Greater Bay Area" in December 2023, aiming to facilitate the secure and orderly flow of data from mainland China to Hong Kong. This initiative promotes Hong Kong's integration into the "Digital Greater Bay Area" and supports the coordinated digital development between Hong Kong and mainland China.Standard Contract for Cross-Border Flow of Personal Information in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Mainland China, Hong Kong)The "Greater Bay Area Standard Contract" will be implemented under the pilot scheme for facilitating measures, allowing all industries in the nine mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong to voluntarily adopt the contract starting November 1, 2024. This initiative will further streamline cross-border personal information compliance flows for enterprises and promote more cross-border business activities that benefit both residents and businesses within the Greater Bay Area.
In December 2023, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau released theHong Kong Policy Statement on Promoting Data Flow and Safeguarding Data SecurityThe document outlines the government's management philosophy and key strategies regarding data flow and data security, and proposes eighteen specific action plans.
Legislation, guidelines, and technical standards
With the rapid development of the digital economy, the need to safeguard data—including personal information—continues to grow. The government has consistently adhered to the provisions of thePersonal Data (Privacy) Ordinance》, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong published theGuidelines for the Ethical Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence》、《Artificial Intelligence (AI): Model Framework for Personal Data Protectionand other applicable laws, administrative measures, and industry guidelines, appropriately collect, hold, process, use, regulate, and protect personal data and data derived from various business processes.
While promoting data openness and application, the government has also established technical standards, usage guidelines, and security protocols for data governance. In addition to formulating the Security Regulations for internal reference, the government and relevant agencies have released theGovernment Information Technology Security Policy and Guidelines》、《Guidelines for the Ethical Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence》、《Artificial Intelligence (AI): Model Framework for Personal Data Protection》、《Ethical Framework for Artificial Intelligence》、《Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technology and Application Guidelines》、《Electronic Government Interoperability Framework》、《Common Chinese Interface》and《Data Center Security Best Practices Guide》and other documents, and established multiple security measures and operational mechanisms covering government data protection, auditing and risk assessment, incident handling and response, education and training, and other aspects, to comprehensively safeguard the security of government systems and data.
In response to the latest developments in generative artificial intelligence technology, the government updated the "Generative Artificial Intelligence Technology Guidelines" in August 2023.Ethical Framework for Artificial IntelligenceThe Government has also commissioned the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Centre (HKGAI) to research and propose appropriate rules and guidelines on the accuracy, responsibility, and information security of generative AI technologies and applications through practical implementation and industry feedback. After considering the research findings and recommendations, the Digital Office formulated the Guidelines.Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technology and Application GuidelinesIts core objective lies in balancing the innovative development, application, and responsibility of artificial intelligence, establishing a governance framework tailored to Hong Kong's context and local characteristics for all stakeholders within the AI ecosystem.
《Government Information Technology Security Policy and Guidelines》、《Ethical Framework for Artificial Intelligence》and《Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technology and Application GuidelinesThe full text of the document has been uploaded to relevant government websites for reference by public and private sector organizations. This enables individual institutions to adopt appropriate information technology security risk management principles and measures according to their specific circumstances, thereby enhancing their awareness and capability in protecting data.
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau also issued the "Policy Statement on the Responsible Application of Artificial Intelligence in Financial MarketsThe document outlines the government's policy stance and guidelines for the responsible application of artificial intelligence in financial markets.
The Innovation and Technology Commission launched the "Frontier Technology Research Support ProgramThe initiative supports eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee through a matching grant scheme, attracting top international researchers to Hong Kong and acquiring equipment for fundamental research projects in cutting-edge technology fields. It aims to enhance Hong Kong's scientific research capacity, promote the integration of education and technology talent, and align with the nation's strategic deployment in frontier technologies.
Guidelines issued by relevant public bodies
The Judiciary of Hong Kong published theGuidelines for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence by Judges, Judicial Officers, and Support Staff of the Judiciary of Hong KongThis document aims to provide judges, judicial officers, and judicial support staff with general rules and guiding principles for the use of generative artificial intelligence in the performance of their judicial and administrative duties.