• Hong Kong's University is facing backlash for a lenient response to a student's alleged creation of deepfake porn.
• Victims demand stronger action and scrutiny of existing laws regarding AI-generated imagery.
• The city's privacy watchdog has launched a criminal investigation into the matter.
• Lawmakers and advocacy groups urge the need for updated regulations similar to South Korea's laws.
• Calls arise for universities to take serious actions against student misconduct related to AI and privacy violations.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is currently embroiled in controversy following allegations against a law student who reportedly generated more than 700 pornographic deepfake images using artificial intelligence (AI). The scandal involves multiple victims, including classmates and teachers, leading to public outcry over the university's decision to only issue a warning letter to the accused student, a response many view as minimal given the severity of the allegations, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

Victims of the incident have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with the university's internal handling of the case. They reported feeling unsafe due to having been required to share classrooms and project work with the perpetrator, who admitted to using images from social media to generate the explicit content. As one victim pointed out, these arrangements made it difficult to focus on their studies and triggered distress every time they were near the accused, as detailed by SCMP and Channel News Asia.

In response to the public outcry, Chief Executive John Lee has promised to examine how other jurisdictions manage similar issues, hinting at potential reforms that might align with international best practices. Officials highlighted that existing laws, such as the Crimes Ordinance, generally tackle acts like voyeurism and the distribution of intimate images but noted gaps concerning the mere generation of such imagery. Lee emphasized that the rapid evolution of AI technology necessitates a reevaluation of legal frameworks, as public safety must remain a priority, according to SCMP and CBS News.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in Hong Kong has initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, underlining potential offenses related to the disclosure of personal data without consent. Experts warn that the consequences of AI-generated non-consensual imagery may reflect broader societal issues regarding privacy and consent, marking a significant moment for both victims and policymakers in Hong Kong, as explained by Channel News Asia and CBS News.

Women’s rights advocates have joined calls to strengthen legislative protections around deepfake technology. The lack of specific laws in Hong Kong regulating AI-generated content leaves victims vulnerable, drawing comparisons to South Korea, where stricter regulations regarding deepfake pornography have been introduced. Legislative Council member Doreen Kong echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the psychological toll on victims, contrasting current Hong Kong laws with more robust frameworks abroad, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.