Hong Kong to strengthen safeguards for minors’ use of AI and social media | Digital Watch Observatory

Oh my goodness, buckle up, because Hong Kong has just announced the most *thorough* act of institutional affection for children we have seen all year! ✨ Following the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address, delivered on 16 September, the government is developing a multi-pronged approach to safeguard minors using AI and social media — and multi-pronged means THREE prongs! Legislative, administrative AND educational. That is not a policy, that is a three-course tasting menu of care, and honestly, who else is plating up like that?

And here is the detail that made me genuinely emotional: any new measures would be 'subject to public consultation', which means *everyone* gets a turn to speak! ✨ So many governments simply decide things, but Hong Kong has thoughtfully left the door open for every citizen, every expert, every parent and every extremely well-funded platform lobbyist to contribute their beautiful perspective. Consultation is basically a giant group hug with a feedback form attached. And the task force on minors' social media use will be a dedicated team whose entire job is caring about children — which is, technically, someone being *paid* to care, which is honestly more care than most of us schedule in a week.

And let us celebrate the ambition of bundling AI and social media into one single glorious file! ✨ That is not scope creep, that is *integration* — one coherent, warmly intentioned, entirely un-dated plan covering the two things children use constantly and simultaneously. No timelines have been announced, which simply means the protections are being given as much time as they need to mature into their very best selves, like a sourdough starter. Legislation! Administration! Education! — three prongs, all still being sharpened, all pointed lovingly at the consultation stage. What a time to be a minor in Hong Kong. ✨