ENG-2001 — Page 79

THE LEGAL SYSTEM

commission include handling complaints, encouraging conciliation between parties in dispute, providing assistance to aggrieved persons, and undertaking public education and research programmes to promote equal opportunities in the community.

In 2001, the commission handled 12 470 enquiries and 2 063 complaints relating to the three anti-discrimination ordinances. It undertook various publicity and educational programmes such as the campaign to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace in April, and the launching of a children's TV series highlighting different stories of sex discrimination, disability discrimination and family status discrimination in June. In July, the Code of Practice on Education under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance came into operation. The code was proposed by the commission with the aim of assisting educational establishments in fulfilling the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Ordinance.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data

The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance provides for the appointment of a Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data to monitor, supervise and promote compliance with the ordinance. The Privacy Commissioner's Office (PCO) began full operation on December 20, 1996.

In 2001, the PCO handled 21 916 enquiries and 921 complaints, and conducted 42 compliance checks in relation to the ordinance.

To promote compliance with the ordinance by organisations, the PCO issued a consultation paper in relation to the revisions of the Consumer Credit Data Code, and published a management handbook entitled E-Privacy: A Policy Approach to Building Trust and Confidence in E-Business, a booklet about the general functions of the office, and a fact sheet on frequently asked questions about recruitment advertisements. It also produced a new version of its training video. In addition, the PCO revamped its web site to enhance the efficiency and user-friendliness in featuring comprehensive information about itself.

During the year, the office undertook a variety of activities to promote awareness and understanding of the ordinance. These activities included holding regular large- scale open seminars, Data Protection Officers' Club meetings, broadcasting Announcements in the Public Interest on television and radio, and issuing of Private Thoughts, the PCO's newsletter. A week-long Privacy Week held in March included a local privacy conference entitled 'E-Privacy in the New Economy', an Asian Regional Privacy Forum, two consumer roadshows, the Privacy Website Design Competition for Youngsters and a live variety television show.

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