Why is ChatGPT banned in Hong Kong?

ChatGPT HK – Why exactly is ChatGPT banned in Hong Kong? Let's find out.

Why is ChatGPT banned in Hong Kong?
Source: REUTERS/Florence Lo

In today's fast-paced artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, OpenAI's ChatGPT has become a household name. It's renowned for giving precise answers to a wide range of questions and making information easily digestible. But despite its global popularity, there's an obstacle for AI enthusiasts in Hong KongChatGPT isn't available in the city.

Today, we'll look into the reasons behind this restriction. So, why exactly is ChatGPT banned in Hong Kong? Let's find out.

Why is ChatGPT banned in Hong Kong?

chatgpt hk
Source: Pexels/Andrew Neel

While ChatGPT is not explicitly banned, it's currently unavailable in Hong Kong through OpenAI. Accessing it requires a VPN, with privacy concerns being the speculated reason.

Prominent universities in Hong Kong have expressed worries about the rise in plagiarism, copyright infringement, and other violations that might happen if students have unrestricted access to ChatGPT. Public opinion on this AI tool is also diverse. While university students mostly see it as a convenient study aid, educators worry that it may hinder critical thinking skills and encourage cheating.

Interestingly, in May 2023, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) came up with a solution. They introduced "HKUST ChatGPT," an exclusive language model available only to HKUST students.

Most recently, in August, some Hong Kong universities decided to lift their bans on ChatGPT and allow it to be incorporated into the curriculum as a tool – with restrictions. Hong Kong University Associate Vice-President Pauline Chiu said at a press conference that they weren't trying to “police” students’ use of generative AI or even interrogate them on how much they use it within their assignments but to give them a sense of responsibility. She also emphasized how AI tools like ChatGPT could actually be used to train students in their critical thinking abilities.

How can I access ChatGPT in Hong Kong?

chatgpt hk
Source: Pexels/Shantanu Kumar

To access ChatGPT in Hong Kong, one popular option is to use a virtual private network or VPN. Lots of VPNs are available in the market, including free ones. Google Chrome is recommended for its user-friendly extension capabilities, unlike Safari and other platforms. While seeking alternatives may seem tempting, many other AI machines are not as intuitive to use as ChatGPT and may have limited features and knowledge.

Another workaround is to access ChatGPT through Microsoft's Azure cloud computing platform. So, once you're signed up and onboarded with an Azure account, you should be able to access ChatGPT services.

Steps to install a free VPN to use ChatGPT in Hong Kong?

chatgpt hk
Source: REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

Want to install a free VPN and use ChatGPT in Hong Kong?

  1. Search for "Free VPN for Chrome — VPN Proxy VeePN" on the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Click "Add to Chrome" to install the extension.
  3. Locate the puzzle piece icon in the top right-hand corner of the browser.
  4. Pin the VPN extension for easy access.
  5. Create a ChatGPT account, and you're all set to start asking away!

Poe - Your ChatGPT alternative in Hong Kong

ChatGPT hk, Poe, ChatGPT hong kong, ChatGPT alternative  hk
Source: Quora

Meet Poe, Quora's ChatGPT alternative for Hong Kong. Accessible on iOS and Android, Poe ensures instant responses and dynamic conversations on the go. Poe stands out with AI-powered bots, offering versatile solutions for diverse needs - whether you're seeking information or engaging in casual banter, Poe has you covered.

Rooted in Quora's engaging discussions, Poe offers a user-friendly experience for Hong Kong residents. Say goodbye to VPN hassles; Poe is your straightforward alternative, allowing you to explore topics seamlessly with its responsive AI.

Ready to try Poe? Visit Poe.com or create an account at https://poe.com/login. Apple users, download it here and Android users, find it here.