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348 Communications, the Media and Information Technology

at about 250 government premises. The service will be progressively rolled out to the remaining 100 government premises by mid-2009.

(d) Property Information Hub

The Property Information Hub is a join-up service which provides one-stop access by the public to reliable and updated property information held by the Government. As the first step for implementation, it is targeted to launch the Rating and Valuation Department's new departmental e-service in early 2009 to enable online public access to its property data.

(e) Multiple Applications on the Smart Identity Card

In 2003 the Government introduced the Smart Identity Card which can support multiple applications. It enables citizens to benefit from automated immigration clearance at border control points. Apart from immigration use, the Smart ID card holder may use it to store an e-cert and perform library card functions. Since March 2008, it has been possible to use the Smart ID card to make bookings for sports facilities and leisure activities at Leisure Link Self-Service Kiosks.

Hong Kong continued to gain recognition for its efforts in promoting e-government. In the e-readiness rankings released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 2008, Hong Kong was ranked second in the world, and first in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Digital Inclusion

Digital Inclusion Task Force

To enable the whole community to benefit from ICT development and to ensure that members of vulnerable groups are able to use ICT to participate fully in society, the Government set up a Digital Inclusion Task Force in July. Comprising representatives from government departments, industry and the community at large, the aim of the Task Force is to formulate strategies and initiatives to address digital inclusion issues. In addition to tackling the digital divide issue with regard to the different needs of sub-groups, the Task Force will also consider measures to foster the safe and ethical use of ICT in the wider community.

District Cyber Centres

The Government is spearheading a pilot scheme to set up district cyber centres by early 2009. By providing computing facilities, internet connectivity and technical support, these will enable young people from low-income families and other needy members of the community to access and use information technology and online services.

Telecommunications

The Government's telecommunications policy is to facilitate the development of the telecommunications industry and enhance Hong Kong's position as an international telecommunications hub.