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Measures to enhance proper use of the Internet announced
The Government has decided not to introduce regulatory controls on the Internet at this stage but will take some appropriate actions to address the concerns over the availability of obscene and indecent materials on this new medium.
This was announced by the Deputy Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport, Mrs Rita Lau, at a LegCo Panel meeting today (Thursday).
Mrs Lau noted that the decision was reached after the most careful consideration. Comments received from the consultation exercise have been taken fully into account.
"In considering whether content regulation should be applied, we need to strike a balance between protecting our young people and preserving the free flow of information," Mrs Lau said.
"Individual's right and freedom of access to information and of expression will also need to be safeguarded. The impact of regulation on the development of information technology is also an important consideration. We should promote and facilitate technological development and not obstruct it.
"Unlike other forms of publication, the chance of people being involuntarily exposed to pornographic materials on the Internet is minimum.
"In fact, it can be argued that unless a user decides to access the Internet and search for such sites, such materials will not come in his way at all."
To enhance the proper use of the Internet, Mrs Lau said that the Government will pursue the following measures :
To build on the existing dialogue with the ISP industry and assist them to develop an industry-developed Code of Practice;
To actively encourage and promote the use of filtering and/or labelling tools to enable parental guidance to be exercised; and
To promote computer literacy and the proper use of the Internet in schools, and launch publicity campaigns to arouse public awareness.
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