ChatGPT is not available in Hong Kong right now because of security concerns, prevention of false information spread and to avoid academic plagiarism and misuse.
Click above for the story
The first bit “security concerns” seems to be coming from the American side, from ChatGPT’s owner OpenAI. The other bits “prevention of false information.. and avoid ... plagiarism” seems to be coming from Hong Kong universities. At least that’s what I gather from the article above, even though it’s not clear in its story.
I just got to it via a VPN. But you also need a phone number outside Hong Kong, so you need a friendly rellie, as I have, to be at the end of the phone to text you the confirmation code. I did it. I hacked ChapGPT!
Once done it was super easy to use and quite fun. I tried it out on what it thought of EV’s vs ICE vehicles and of course it’s totally on side with EVs and does quote data that’s not quite in the centre of where the reality is in terms of Co2 emission differences and the likely increases in costs for batteries and therefore EVs. So there’s the left-leaning bias we already know about (it’ll compose a nice poem about Biden, but not about Trump, eg).
Not sure I’d use it much, though, since I have to go through the palaver of VPN. If not, then would use more, instead of, say, Siri.
Here’s what ChatGPT did when I asked it to write a bedtime story about “Batman at the beach”:
Title: Batman's Day at the Beach
Gotham City was a place of constant turmoil and crime, but even the Dark Knight needed a break from his nightly battles against evil. One summer day, Batman decided it was time to take a much-needed respite and headed to the nearby coast for a day at the beach.
Dressed in his iconic black suit, Batman might have seemed out of place among the sunbathers and families building sandcastles. However, he was determined to enjoy a rare day of relaxation. Alfred, his loyal butler, had packed a special beach bag with all the essentials: sunscreen, a towel, a beach umbrella, and even a portable Bat-Grill.
As Batman set up his little beach haven, a few curious stares came his way, but he paid them no mind. With a sigh of contentment, he lay down on his towel, appreciating the warm sun on his face. He couldn't remember the last time he'd allowed himself to simply rest.
Just as he was beginning to doze off, he heard a cry for help in the distance. His instincts kicked in, and he was on his feet before he could think. Grappling hook in hand, he swung toward the source of the commotion, only to find a group of seagulls raiding a picnic basket.
"Looks like someone's hungry," he muttered, his grim demeanor momentarily softened. Using his cape as a makeshift net, he quickly corralled the seagulls away from the startled beachgoers' food.
As the beachgoers cheered, a young boy approached Batman timidly. "Are you... um, Batman?"
Batman nodded, his lips twitching into a hint of a smile. "That's me."
The boy beamed. "Can I have your autograph?"
Batman's first impulse was to decline, but he glanced around at the hopeful faces of the people on the beach. Maybe this was a chance to show a different side of himself. Taking a nearby piece of driftwood and a marker from his utility belt, he signed his name in his distinct, bold handwriting.
The boy's eyes widened with excitement as he held the autographed driftwood like a precious treasure. "Thanks, Batman!"
With the seagull incident resolved and the crowd back to enjoying their day at the beach, Batman returned to his spot and finally allowed himself to relax. He closed his eyes, listening to the soothing sound of the waves and feeling the sand beneath him.
Alfred, having been discreetly watching from a distance, approached with a tray holding a cool drink and a sandwich. "I thought you might be hungry, Master Wayne."
Batman accepted the refreshments with a nod of gratitude. "Thank you, Alfred."
As the sun began to set, casting warm hues across the sky, Batman realized that even the world's greatest detective deserved a moment of peace. He watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a glimmering reflection on the water.
For that day, he was not just the Caped Crusader; he was a man who allowed himself to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, even if it was just for a brief moment on a sandy beach. And as the stars emerged in the night sky, Batman felt rejuvenated, ready to return to his never-ending fight against crime, knowing that he could find solace in the memories of his day at the beach.
