ENG-2005 — Page 427

Communications, the Media and Information Technology 369

In February, the office again gave its support to the annual Dragon Boat Races, part of the Chinese New Year Festival celebrations 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 also produced for special events and topics. These home pages can be accessed through the Government Information Centre (GIC) at www.gov.hk.

The GIC provides 24-hour news updates, 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 electronic services of various departments and agencies, including the submission of tax returns, appointment booking service for the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card replacement exercise, payment of government fees and the purchase of government publications.

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 and lists categories of exemptions to ensure appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information held by the Government and information involving personal privacy and commercial sensitivity. It thus establishes a set of rules to meet public expectation of greater government transparency.

The public may complain to The Ombudsman about government departments that fail to respond to requests for information in accordance with the code.

Protection of Privacy with Respect to Personal Data

The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance is designed to protect the privacy of individuals in relation to personal data. 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 Strategy

The Government is committed to keeping Hong Kong at the forefront of information and communications technology (ICT) development. The Digital 21 Strategy, first issued in 1998 and updated in 2001 and 2004, is the blueprint for ICT development in Hong Kong. Since the launch of the strategy, great strides have been