Key facts
- Experts urge Hong Kong to enact AI laws focusing on data governance and safety.
- Legislation is needed to define liability boundaries for AI applications, according to experts.
- 80% of U.S. adults favor maintaining AI safety and data security rules, even if it slows development.
- 91% of the UK public believe AI systems should be developed and used fairly.
- 89% of the UK public support an independent regulator for AI with enforcement powers.
Experts in Hong Kong are advocating for new legislation focused on data governance and safety standards to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). They believe such measures are crucial for bolstering public and business confidence in the technology's expanding adoption. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee has indicated a commitment to addressing disputes and crimes involving AI through tailored laws.
In the United States, a new Gallup survey reveals that a significant majority of adults (80%) prioritize maintaining rules for AI safety and data security, even if it means slower development of AI capabilities. This sentiment holds across political affiliations, with 88% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans and independents supporting this approach. The survey also found that 85% of Americans acknowledge the ongoing global competition in AI development, yet a notable portion (22%) feel the U.S. is falling behind.
Meanwhile, in the UK, research indicates a misalignment between public expectations for AI governance and government ambitions. While 91% of the public believe AI systems should be developed and used fairly, and 89% support an independent AI regulator with enforcement powers, the anticipated consultation on an AI Bill has been delayed. This delay, coupled with a broader shift away from regulation by the government, risks eroding public trust and undermining support for future AI governance efforts, according to the Ada Lovelace Institute.