Google and OpenAI have restricted access to their powerful artificial intelligence chatbots in Hong Kong as fears over how China’s influence will impact its ability to maintain an open internet have grown.
While the companies haven’t elaborated on why, the Journal said that observers believe expansion in the city could expose the companies to liability under a Chinese national security law criminalizing criticism of the government.
Hong Kong’s Department of Justice also recently sought to block a pro-democracy song, “Glory to Hong Kong” from being disseminated online and cited 32 instances where it appeared on Google-owned YouTube. Court deliberations are scheduled to continue in the case next month, according to the Journal.
