ENG-2003 — Page 435

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

In November, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology visited Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, where he met a number of political and business leaders, as well as media representatives and briefed them on business opportunities in Hong Kong, especially following the signing of CEPA.

He visited the IT Cooperative Research Centre at the University of Victoria and toured the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne and the Australian Technology Park in Sydney.

Government Home Pages on the Internet

Among other measures for ensuring openness, transparency and accountability, 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. Thematic home pages are produced for special events and topics.

These home pages can be accessed through the Government Information Centre (GIC) at http://www.gov.hk. Hyperlinks to the home pages of the Chief Executive, Executive Council, Legislative Council, the 18 District Councils, the Judiciary and other related organisations are provided.

The GIC 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. It is also a portal to a wide range of electronics services of various departments and agencies, including the submission of tax returns, registration as a voter, payment of government fees and the purchase of government publications.

The Government's e-bulletin, http://www.news.gov.hk, is another effective means of presenting to the public a comprehensive spread of government news, views and information. Being a website with interactive and multimedia features, it has become a valuable tool in enhancing the transparency of the Government.

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

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