ENG-2001 — Page 445

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Government Home Pages on the Internet

Among other measures for ensuring open, transparent and accountable government, the Government uses the Internet to disseminate information on its policies, services and activities and to communicate with the public. All bureaux and departments produce their home pages in Chinese and English.

These home pages can be accessed through the Government Information Centre (GIC) at http://www.info.gov.hk. Hyperlinks to the home pages of the Executive Council, Legislative Council, the 18 District Councils, the Judiciary and other related organisations are provided. The GIC also provides 24-hour news updates, live broadcasts of government press conferences, consultation papers and topical information to enable the public to keep track of local developments and important

announcements.

The Brand Hong Kong (http://www.brandhk.gov.hk) and HKSAR Delegation to the Western Region (http://www.info.gov.hk/go_west) were two major home pages produced in 2001. The former presents Hong Kong's new brand platform, visual identity and an overview of the elements that contribute to Hong Kong's position as Asia's world city. The latter provides comprehensive information about the Delegation to the Western Region of China, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, and business opportunities there for Hong Kong entrepreneurs and companies.

Code on Access to Information

The authorities believe in open and accountable government. This requires reasonable access to government information. An administrative Code on Access to Information now applies to all bureaux and departments, which are committed to making information available to the public.

The code sets out the types of government information to which the public has 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 that fail to respond to requests for information in accordance with the code. It represents a major step in meeting public expectations of greater transparency from the Government.

Protection of 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

'Digital 21' IT Strategy

Hong Kong is an early adopter and mature user of information technology (IT). Sixty per cent of households have installed personal computers, 50 per cent of households

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