Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have restricted access to their
respective generative artificial intelligence (GAI) chatbots and technology in Hong Kong due to fears of how China’s influence will impact the ability to maintain an open internet.
It’s an ongoing trend that U.S.-based companies continue, shutting out users in Hong Kong, according to The Wall Street Journal. In OpenAI’s case, the WSJ reports, the
restriction puts Hong Kong and mainland China alongside North Korea, Syria and Iran.
None of the companies have given reasons, but observers told the WSJ it could expose the company
to risk if the chatbots spew out content that violates a national-security
law that criminalizes many types of criticism of the government and Beijing. China implemented the law about three years ago.
Other companies have also taken steps to filter content
reaching Hong Kong. Apple, for example, updated its internet browser privacy policy last year to include information that it may use a tool from China-based Tencent to warn users in Hong Kong of
malicious links.
Disney choose not to offer two episodes of “The Simpsons” on its streaming service because they include
references to critiques of the Chinese government.
Hong Kong users also have reported that Tencent’s tool temporarily blocked access to legitimate Western sites such as Twitter
competitor Mastodon, Coinbase, and GitLab.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong survey dated March 2023 found
that 38% of respondents were either optimistic or very optimistic that Hong Kong could maintain free access to the world internet during the next three years.
The WSJ pointed to the
survey amidst the strained relationship between the United States and China. The relationship continues to impact more than 80% of businesses, and more than 59% of businesses are pessimistic about
U.S.-China relations.
U.S. policies restrict investments of American Chamber of Commerce members in China, leading to impact in global business, reconsideration of long-term China business
operations, and company supply chains.