Google Gemini Finally Rolling Out to All Hong Kong Users

TLDR:

Google Gemini Arrives in Hong Kong

Google has announced the gradual rollout of its Gemini AI chatbot to all users in Hong Kong, marking a significant shift for a city that has long been excluded from accessing mainstream AI tools. The tech giant confirmed that both the web platform and mobile applications will become available to Hong Kong residents over the coming weeks.

For years, Hong Kong found itself in an unusual position within the global tech landscape. The city was consistently ranked alongside mainland China, Syria, and North Korea as one of the few places where major tech firms chose not to roll out their AI chatbot services. This restriction meant that residents had to rely on workarounds like third-party apps and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access AI tools available elsewhere.

“We believe expanding the Gemini experience will drive more creativity and productivity for the city, and help achieve our commitment of advancing Hong Kong, together,” said Michael Yue, managing director and general manager of Google Hong Kong, in a press release.

The multimodal Gemini AI allows users to interact with information across text, images, and audio, while also generating various media including images and music tracks. The tool was previously available only to paid business users in Hong Kong since 2024.

A Long Time Coming

The restricted access to AI chatbots in Hong Kong became a notable issue in the international tech community. When The Wall Street Journal approached companies like OpenAI and Microsoft in 2023 about the limited access, neither company provided comments explaining their decisions.

The timing of Gemini’s full rollout is particularly significant given recent developments in the AI space. Google’s Gemini models are set to be integrated into Apple Intelligence later this year, according to reports from CNBC. This integration means Hong Kong users will soon be able to access Gemini-powered features directly through their Apple devices.

Meanwhile, Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek has been available in Hong Kong since its launch last year. However, tests conducted by HKFP found that DeepSeek’s responses on sensitive topics like the 2019 Hong Kong protests and other politically charged issues tended to echo Beijing’s official position.

Google itself has faced pressure in Hong Kong over content restrictions. In 2024, the company complied with a court order to remove 32 instances of the pro-democracy protest song “Glory to Hong Kong,” blocking videos and search results despite concerns from rights organisations.

Regional Context: How Does Malaysia Compare?

For neighbouring Malaysia, the situation has been notably different. Malaysian users have had access to Google Gemini since early 2025, joining other Southeast Asian countries in receiving broader AI tool availability from major tech companies. The region has seen increasing AI adoption, with Malaysia positioning itself as a hub for digital transformation in Southeast Asia.

The availability of Gemini in Hong Kong now brings the city more in line with other major Asian financial centres. Singapore, Malaysia, and other ASEAN countries have generally had access to Western AI tools without the same level of restrictions imposed on Hong Kong.

This regional disparity in AI access has raised questions about the factors influencing tech companies’ decisions to restrict or permit AI services in different markets. While Hong Kong’s political environment following the 2020 national security law has likely played a role, the gradual opening suggests companies are finding ways to operate while managing regulatory considerations.

Our Take

Google’s decision to finally bring Gemini to all Hong Kong users represents a meaningful expansion of AI access in the region. After years of being left behind compared to other major Asian cities, Hong Kong residents can now access one of the world’s most capable AI assistants without needing technical workarounds.

However, this development comes with important context. The timing of this rollout — years after Gemini launched globally and months after competitors like DeepSeek established presence in the city — suggests Google navigated complex considerations before making this decision. The company’s previous compliance with content removal orders in Hong Kong also raises questions about how Gemini might handle sensitive queries in the future.

For Malaysian users, this news reinforces the relatively open AI landscape we enjoy compared to some neighbours. While Hong Kong celebrates finally getting access, Malaysian users have been experimenting with Gemini for over a year now. This regional advantage could prove significant as AI literacy becomes increasingly important across Southeast Asia.

The broader implications are worth considering: as AI tools become more accessible in previously restricted markets, we’ll likely see increased adoption and new use cases emerge. Whether Google’s Gemini will gain significant market share against established Chinese AI services like DeepSeek in Hong Kong remains to be seen — but for now, Hongkongers finally have another choice.

Source

Hong Kong Free Press