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The Media, Communications and Information Technology
Government Home Pages on the Internet
In line with the government's commitment to openness, transparency and accountability, government bureaus and departments use the internet to communicate with the public and to disseminate information on their policies, services and activities. All government home pages. (including those produced for special events and topics) are in Chinese and English and can be accessed through the government's one-stop portal, GovHK, at www.gov.hk. The public can access government information and electronic services through the portal or their personalised MyGovHK accounts anytime, anywhere. Many bureaus and departments also make use of popular social media such as Facebook, YouTube and blogs to reach stakeholders and the public.
Code on Access to Government Information
As an open and accountable government, all government bureaus and departments are committed to making information available to the public in accordance with the Code on Access to Information. The code sets out the types of government information the public may have access to, and the grounds on which disclosure may be refused. The public may complain to the Ombudsman if any government bureau or department does not comply with the provisions of the code.
The Communications Authority
The Communications Authority (CA), an independent statutory body established under the Communications Authority Ordinance (CAO) in 2012, is a unified regulatory body conferred with the functions previously performed by its predecessors the Broadcasting Authority and the Telecommunications Authority. The CA comprises 10 non-officials from various sectors of the community and two public officers. It regulates the broadcasting and telecommunications industries in Hong Kong in accordance with the Broadcasting Ordinance, the Telecommunications Ordinance, the CAO, the Broadcasting (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance and the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. It also enforces the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Ordinance.
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), the CA's executive arm and secretariat, assists the CA in administering and enforcing the relevant ordinances governing the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors.
Telecommunications
The government aims to facilitate the development of the telecommunications industry and enhance Hong Kong's position as the region's telecommunications hub.
Hong Kong's telecommunications markets are fully liberalised and keenly competitive, benefitting service users in terms of prices, service quality and choices. This demonstrates the success of the city's pro-competition policy and pro-market approach, which enables consumers and business users in Hong Kong to enjoy state-of-the-art technologies in telecommunications at affordable prices.
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