Policy Address 2026: Hong Kong to appoint AI commissioner and consider deepfake laws – leader John Lee

The Hong Kong government will appoint an artificial intelligence (AI) chief and study the implementation of laws tackling the use of deepfake technology, leader John Lee has announced in his annual Policy Address.

Chief Executive John Lee said in his address on Wednesday that authorities will create a new post, Commissioner for AI, under the government’s Digital Policy Office.

The commissioner, a high-level civil service post, will assist bureaus with combating the use of AI in criminal activities.

Lee said the Law Reform Commission, the body that appraises the city’s laws, was reviewing legislation relating to cybercrimes.

He said that the subcommittee looking into the laws will seek the public’s views on ways to tackle deepfake scams, adding that the government will consider drawing up further legislation.

Lee’s announcement comes as the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data warns of the increased use of deepfakes in scams globally, including in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Lee also said the government will enhance its promotion of AI applications across various trades including tourism, finance, and broadcasting.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board will introduce AI-generated travel recommendations on its website, and government broadcaster RTHK will use AI to enhance its production quality and reach a wider audience, he said.

Through the “AI for All” initiative, first introduced by authorities during the budget address in February, the government will host over 200 training activities to promote responsible AI use.