ENG-2002 — Page 435

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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

The Government is committed to keeping Hong Kong at the forefront of information technology (IT) development. In May 2001, the Government promulgated the updated 'Digital 21' IT Strategy, which is an overall blueprint for driving IT development in Hong Kong. The objective is to position Hong Kong as a leading e-business community and digital city in the globally connected world. The theme of the strategy is 'Hong Kong: Connecting the World'. There are structured targets and implementation timetables for developing initiatives in five key result areas, namely, driving e-business, developing E-government, fostering IT manpower, building a digitally inclusive society, and exploiting enabling technologies.

Driving E-business

The Government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure for e-business to prosper. It has liberalised the telecommunications market, enacted the Electronic Transactions Ordinance to provide a clear legal framework for e-business and established a local Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for the conduct of secure electronic transactions. There are now one public and three private certification authorities recognised under the ordinance, which issue digital certificates for use by the community to conduct electronic transactions in a secure manner. The Government has completed a review of the ordinance and will shortly introduce amendments to keep it up-to-date with technological advancements and international e-business development.

The Government also organises various promotional activities to encourage the business sector, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to adopt e-business,

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