ENG-2000 — Page 425

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Protection for Privacy with Respect to Personal Data

The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance was enacted on August 3, 1995 to protect the privacy of individuals in relation to personal data. The core provisions of the ordinance came into force on December 20, 1996. The ordinance provides for the appointment of a Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data to monitor, supervise and promote compliance with the ordinance.

Information Technology

Electronic Commerce

The emergence of electronic transactions conducted over the Internet is the most significant development affecting business operation in the Information Age. Electronic commerce is transforming world trade and the way in which businesses operate. It generates new commercial opportunities, especially for small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs), and also enables Hong Kong to improve efficiency and productivity, thereby strengthening its overall competitiveness in the international business arena.

The Government fully recognises the strategic importance of promoting the development of electronic commerce to enhance the HKSAR's long-term competitiveness. To provide a favourable environment for electronic commerce to flourish, the Electronic Transactions Ordinance was enacted in January to establish a clear legal framework for the conduct of electronic transactions. A Public Key Infrastructure supported by the Hongkong Post Certification Authority was also established in January to provide a secure environment for the conduct of electronic transactions over open networks. To facilitate the conduct of cross-border electronic transactions, the Government has initiated discussions on the arrangements for cross recognition of certification authorities on a bilateral basis with trading partners and participated in relevant multilateral discussions in the Asia Pacific Economic Co- operation (APEC). Furthermore, the Government organises various publicity and promotional activities to encourage the private sector, especially the SMEs, to engage in electronic commerce. The Government will also continue to participate in the deliberations in international fora such as the World Trade Organisation, the APEC and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to promote cross-border electronic commerce through international co-operation.

Electronic Government

Computerisation within the Government

The Government is committed to leading by example in the use of information technology (IT) both in conducting its internal business operations and in delivering services to the public. By taking the lead in the use of IT, the Government also drives the wider adoption of electronic commerce in the private sector. Using IT solutions in providing services to the public will increase efficiency and quality in service delivery. More importantly, it provides an effective tool in transforming the business of the Government, changing the conventional approach of service delivery and facilitating the provision of more customer-oriented and value-added services.

In parallel with the rapid development of IT and its widespread application within the Government, the Information Technology Services Department (ITSD) has developed an integrated government-wide IT infrastructure with uniform design

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