Google to open Gemini chatbot to all Hong Kong users amid city’s AI push

2026.03.16 10:20 Google’s chatbot Gemini allows users to interact through text, images and audio, while featuring generative capabilities for multimedia content. Photo: Dreamstime/TNS Tech giant Google will gradually roll out its generative AI services to all users in Hong Kong starting with the Gemini web app before introducing a mobile version for the chatbot and virtual assistant. The move is expected to eliminate the barriers that previously forced many residents to use virtual private networks (VPNs) or third-party platforms to access Google’s flagship artificial intelligence (AI) models or other alternatives. “We believe expanding the Gemini experience will drive more creativity and productivity for the city, and help achieve our commitment to advancing Hong Kong together,” said Michael Yue, managing director and general manager of Google Hong Kong, on Monday. “Going forward, we will continue to responsibly build a full-stack AI ecosystem, making AI more helpful for everyone.” A multimodal AI tool, Gemini allows users to interact through text, images and audio, while featuring generative capabilities for multimedia content – including images and music tracks – which Google said would empower creators and students to “easily express their creativity”. Hong Kong users currently rely on VPNs and third-party platforms to bypass regional geofencing, as developers like OpenAI and Anthropic block local IP addresses due to regulatory and compliance uncertainties. The general public will soon be able to use Google’s Gemini without having to go through a VPN. Photo: Eugene Lee Google said Gemini had already been used by local businesses, developers, educators and students, and the expansion would bring the technology directly to the general public. Keith Li King-wah, chairman of the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association, described the move as a critical turning point for the city’s digital future. “It is truly a lifesaver for Hong Kong, as the inability to

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