Many major news networks are reporting that the access to popular AI chatbots by Google, OpenAI, Microsoft are now restricted in the city of Hong Kong. What’s even more interesting, the decision was made by the US-based tech companies, as opposed to the majority of acts of censorship implemented by the Chinese Communist Party.
The Wall Street Journal reports that in recent months, OpenAI, Microsoft and Google have all restricted the access to their AI chatbots to citizens of Hong Kong, in fears of potential further restrictions imposed by China and its influence on open internet. Important to notice that none of the companies gave a formal explanation regarding this situation, so users from Hong Kong are kind of in the dark at the moment. A similar situation happened in late 2022 when users from Ukraine complained that they were denied access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT for no apparent reason. However, this restriction was temporary and ChatGPT is now available in Ukraine, while it is unclear if AI chatbots by the big three of AI will be available in Hong Kong at some point.
Understanding AI Chatbots and Their Popularity
AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Bard have seen significant growth in popularity over the last two years. These intelligent models can engage in human-like conversations and provide comprehensive information on a wide range of topics. Unlike traditional search engines that provide links to information, chatbots like ChatGPT deliver information in a conversational manner, often offering further explanations upon request and even writing a code if needed. While the possibilities of AI chatbots are limitless, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s going to be possible in the near future.
Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a prime example of an AI model that has revolutionized how we interact with technology. It has various applications, including writing complex papers, crafting poems, and even correcting code. It has advanced so far that many workers in different fields are worried about their employment status (including me, a person who’s writing this very article).
However, despite its popularity and usefulness, access to ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots has become increasingly restricted in certain regions, like China, Russia, Iran and a few other countries. What’s more surprising, is that some European countries are showing their scepticism towards the AI craze, as there’s no clear vision and protocol on how our data is being used and what it can be used for in the future. Thus, Italian government decided to ban ChatGPT for an undisclosed period of time, until OpenAI’s privacy policy is more clear. If you want to read more about why it was banned in Italy, you can read our article by this link.
The State of Internet Censorship in Hong Kong
Hong Kong, once known for its open internet environment, has seen a significant increase in internet censorship in recent years. This shift has been largely influenced by China’s influence on the region’s policies and regulations. Many popular AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, have been restricted in Hong Kong due to these changes, aligning the region with countries like Iran, Syria, and North Korea, where similar limitations exist.
The introduction of China’s national security law in 2020, which criminalizes various forms of government criticism, has further tightened internet censorship in the region. Companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft have restricted access to their AI chatbots as a preventative measure to avoid potential legal liabilities that could arise from inadvertent violations of this law.
According to the last year’s report by the AppleCensorship, the biggest VPN services are down since the passing of the security law by the Chinese Communist Party. While the majority of VPN services are down in Hong Kong, ZoogVPN still works in the Pearl of the Orient just fine.
How to use ChatGPT in Hong Kong?
It is extremely convenient to open a new tab in your browser, write a few words that interest you and get a comprehensive answer as opposed to look for a necessary piece of information on a search engine, but unfortunately, users in Hong Kong can’t access AI chatbots as of now. ZoogVPN can help you access ChatGPT no matter where you are in the world. Besides, by following this instruction, you can also find out how to register ChatGPT in China, in any part of the country. Here’s what you need to do to access ChatGPT Hong Kong.
If you’re in a dire need of some AI convos, we’ve got you covered. In order to unblock ChatGPT-4 in Italy, you’ll need a secure VPN service like ZoogVPN with reliable connection. Here’s what you need to do:
- Create an account with us. It’s extremely simple and will only take you a few seconds. No credit card information needed.
- Once you’re done here, download the app for Chat GPT Hong Kong on your device. We offer a variety of top-notch apps for PC, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux devices. Hell, you can even set up our VPN on your router if you want to.
- Launch it and sign in using your credentials. Connect to a server located in one of the supported countries.
- Create an OpenAI account using your email address or your Google/Facebook account. If Google is unavailable in Hong Kong, you can also use our VPN to unblock it.
IMPORTANT
You’ll need to receive an SMS confirmation on a number located in the same county you’ve chosen from the list. To do that you can use online services like eSIM Plus, Onlinesim and other number confirmation services. Use them at your own discretion, and preferably create an account to a new email address. Otherwise, you can ask one of your pals outside Italy to use their phone number to confirm your OpenAI account. - Once the confirmation is done, you can get to chatting with the ChatGPT-4.
- Enjoy Chat Gpt 香港!
Is there a free VPN for Hong Kong AI?
ZoogVPN offers a selection of 5 servers around the world 100% free of charge that you can use to access ChatGPT HK or any Chatbot Hong Kong for that matter. You can connect to a server in the USA, the UK, Germany, Netherlands and Singapore in order to use various chatbots.
About us
Overall, ZoogVPN is the best option for users from Hong Kong. It offers a secure and reliable connection, fast speeds, and great features. It also has a free version, so that you can give it a try without any risks. So, if you’re looking for a VPN to protect your privacy, access AI chatbots and free and uninterrupted social networks, the ZoogVPN is your best bet!
Join us today for the best Hong Kong VPN!
- Arsène MaliceArsène is a Kyiv-based staff writer for ZoogVPN, covering everything tech-related from VPN news and social media trends to cybersport events and geek culture. He’s written for several music magazines, and crypto and tech-oriented websites. He tries to keep his finger on the media’s pulse with varying success. You can catch him djing, playing volleyball, and rage-quitting a ranked game in League of Legends.
