TECH

Google to Open Gemini to All Users in Hong Kong

Published: Mar. 17, 2026 7:15 p.m. GMT+8

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Google LLC announced that it will open its Gemini web app to all users in Hong Kong, ending an access restriction on the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot in the city.

The rollout of the Gemini web app will be followed by an introduction of the chatbot’s mobile version, according to Google on Monday. Michael Yue, Google Hong Kong’s general manager of sales and operations, said that expanding the Gemini experience will “drive more creativity and productivity in the city,” adding that the company will continue to responsibly build a full-stack AI ecosystem.

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Google opened its Gemini AI web app to all users in Hong Kong, with mobile access to follow.
Previously, Gemini and similar AI services were restricted in Hong Kong, with access only via workarounds or Google Workspace subscriptions.
Hong Kong is investing heavily in tech, including a supercomputing hub with HK$23.8 billion investment aimed at boosting computing power 36-fold.

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Who’s Who

Google LLC: Google LLC is opening its Gemini web app to all users in Hong Kong, removing previous access restrictions. This move follows Hong Kong's aggressive investments in technology and AI, and is expected to drive creativity and productivity in the city. Google aims to responsibly build a full-stack AI ecosystem.

OpenAI: OpenAI is a Western technology company that developed ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot. Along with other major tech firms, OpenAI has broadly restricted access to its AI services, including ChatGPT, in Hong Kong, similar to the Chinese mainland and North Korea. The reasons for these restrictions have not been directly explained, but policy risks are considered a major factor.

Anthropic: Anthropic's Claude is a generative AI service that, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, has restricted access in Hong Kong. These companies haven't publicly stated their reasons for these restrictions, but policy risks are believed to be a significant factor.

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What Happened When

Earlier in March 2026：: A mainland Chinese firm won the tender to build a supercomputing hub in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis, agreeing to specific financial terms and investment.

March 16, 2026：: Google announced it will open its Gemini web app to all users in Hong Kong and planned to introduce the mobile version of the chatbot next.

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