Hong Kong’s ‘AI city brain’ to cost initial HK$200m, but ‘won’t catch thieves’
John Lee and Eric Chan stress new system will consolidate data to improve city management and won’t be used for crime detection or surveillance
Hong Kong’s proposed “AI city brain” will cost HK$200 million (US$25.5 million) for the first phase and will connect to the police’s citywide security camera network, authorities have revealed, while stressing that the new system would not be used for crime detection or the surveillance of residents.
Speaking at a Legislative Council question and answer session on Thursday following his annual policy address a day earlier, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also emphasised the system would not tap into personal data or pose privacy concerns.
In his address, Lee proposed establishing an “AI city brain”, deploying the technology for data analysis within a data-sharing environment that would provide early warnings and trend forecasts, improve interdepartmental collaboration in response to extreme weather or major incidents, and manage public order and control crowds.
No 2 official Eric Chan Kwok-ki stressed the initiative driven by artificial intelligence was designed for better city management.