ENG-1996 — Page 421

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

addition, many government branches and departments have set up their own home pages to make known their policies and plans, to consult the public, and to make available information of general interest. More branches and departments are expected to join the information superhighway in 1997.

Code on Access to Information

The authorities subscribe to the principle of an open and accountable government. This requires reasonable access to government information. The government introduced an administrative code on access to government information, starting with a pilot scheme in March 1995. By the end of 1996, the code had been extended to the whole of the government.

The code sets out clearly the types of government information to which the public will have access. It also lists categories of exemptions to ensure appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information held by the government, and information involving personal privacy and commercial sensitivity.

The public may complain to the Ombudsman about government departments which fail to respond to requests for information in accordance with the code. The code represents a major step in meeting public expectations of greater transparency from the government.

Protection for Privacy with respect to Personal Data

The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance was enacted on August 3, 1995. It aims to protect the individual's right to privacy with respect to personal data, and to safeguard the free flow of personal data to Hong Kong. It incorporates internationally accepted data protection principles governing the collection, holding, processing and use of personal data, including the right of individuals to access and correct their own personal data.

The ordinance provides for the Governor to appoint an independent statutory authority, the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, to enforce and promote compliance of its requirements. It also provides for the establishment of the Personal Data (Privacy) Advisory Committee to advise the Commissioner on any matter relating to personal data privacy and operation of the ordinance.

The Commissioner assumed office on August 1, 1996. He operated on a recurrent budget of $28 million and his office was fully established by the end of 1996. The Advisory Committee, chaired by the Commissioner and consisting of one official and seven non-official members appointed by the Secretary for Home Affairs, was set up in August 1996, and the ordinance commenced operation on December 20.

Telecommunications Services

Important developments in Hong Kong's telecommunications sector in 1996 included clarification of the scope of Hong Kong Telecom International Limited's exclusive licence on certain international telecommunications circuits and services; the issue of six Personal Communications Services licences in September, the introduction of Calling Number Display service and proposals to amend the Telecommunication Ordinance. Increased competition is giving consumers greater choice of networks and operators, and services have to develop in response to the market.

Implementation of the government's pro-competition and pro-consumer policies in telecommunications is the responsibility of the Telecommunications Authority (TA),

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