ENG-2018 — Page 351

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Media and Communications

increased to 17, enabling customers to collect their mail at selected locations unconstrained by the opening hours of post offices.

Three postage label vending machines providing a wider range of preset-value postage labels and a postage enquiry function were put on trial in December 2018. Hongkong Post aims to replace all existing stamp vending machines by 2020.

Retail Network

In 2018, Hongkong Post operated a network of 124 post offices. Seven of the post offices launched the EPS EasyCash for Senior Citizens service in April, allowing the elderly to withdraw small amounts of cash in their local community without making a purchase.

Stamps and Philately

Thirteen issues of special and commemorative stamps were released during the year. In the issue of the 'Characters in Jin Yong's Novels' special stamps on 6 December, Hongkong Post introduced its first specially designed stamp booklet, containing 30 stamps of fictional martial arts exponent Zhang Wuji in various tai chi poses.

Film Classification

Hong Kong adopts a three-tier film classification system: Category I, which is suitable for all ages; Category II, subdivided into Category IIA, not suitable for children, and Category IIB, not suitable for young persons and children; and Category III, only for persons who have attained the age of 18. The classification standards are kept in line with society's expectations through public surveys and consultation with a statutory advisory panel of about 300 members drawn from different walks of life. The aim is to allow adults wide access to films while protecting young persons and children from exposure to harmful materials.

The Category IIA and IIB classifications are advisory, while the age restriction for Category III films is mandatory.

During the year, 2,499 films were submitted for classification, among which 871, 834, 620 and 174 films were classified as Category I, Category IIA, Category IIB and Category III respectively.

The Board of Review (Film Censorship) is empowered under the Film Censorship Ordinance to review decisions on film classifications upon request. The board comprises nine non-official members appointed by the Chief Executive, plus the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development as an ex-officio member.

Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance

The policy objective in regulating obscene and indecent articles is to preserve public morals and protect young people from the harmful effects of obscene and indecent materials while preserving the free flow of information and safeguarding freedom of expression. The publication and public display of obscene and indecent articles, such as printed matter, sound recordings, and discs, are regulated by the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance.

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