The University of Hong Kong announced on Thursday that it is ending its ban on students using artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT for their studies.

The ban was imposed in February, although staff have been allowed to use the new technology on a trial basis.

Professor Ian Holliday, the university's vice-president for teaching and learning, said the trial has demonstrated that AI tools can be used in a fair manner.

"We wanted to be as responsible as we possibly could be in making use of ChatGPT. We know it's the future. We knew that back in February. We also knew back in February that we didn't have all of the policies in place to make it fair for all of our students." Holliday said.

The professor added that he will chair a new advisory body to oversee use of AI in the university's teaching.

Lingnan University earlier also reversed a ban on AI.

The University of Science and Technology allows students to use AI, while Chinese University lets individual staff decide on whether to permit it or not.