The case of posting nude or obscene photos on the Internet

Hong Kong is rocked by some indecent photos posted on the Internet, the police have arrested eight people in connection with the internet posting by today.

Last week, the Police Commissioner (PC) said that people possessing indecent photos may also be liable. I have received a lot of emails from the public and the sector expressing fears over the PC’s warning. Many of them worried about the freedom of speech and the flow of information would be impaired and being arrested for keeping some obscene photos in their computers or just receiving such photos via email.

In response to the public concerns, I, together with the representatives from the Internet community and other concerned groups, held a meeting yesterday for discussing if there shall be any follow up actions.  Many attendees urged the police to clarify whether the personal possession of the indecent photos would be illegal, hence I arranged a meeting with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Mr. Wong Fook Chuen, this morning.

(Mr. Charles Mok and I believed that the police have a liability to dissipate the fear over the public.)

The meeting with Mr. Wong today lasted for an hour. Mr. Wong clarified the speech given by the PC before and emphasized that the personal possession of indecent photos does not breach the law. According to the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance (Cap. 390) (Section 21), people who publish, import and possess any obscene article for the purpose of publication would be liable to a fine and imprisonment.

(I felt positive after the meeting with Mr. Wong. The panic over the general public shall be eased. )

To share your views on this topic, please feel free to drop me a few lines at cksin@sinchungkai.org.hk.

“Hong Kong 2.0” book launch

Congratulations to Charles Mok on the publication of his book, Hong Kong 2.0. It is my pleasure to attend his book launch on 24 Jan. 

Charles has been actively promoting the ICT industry development since early 1990. His first book examines popular information technology topics and related policy discussions and implications. It is a rare and possibly the first attempt in Hong Kong.

Starting with an introduction of Web 2.0 technology and key business trends, Charles went on to put the pieces together for concrete policy recommendations for a creative digital economy for Hong Kong – hence Hong Kong 2.0. 

The book is not only mind-provoking for IT professionals interested in benefiting society through IT applications, but also makes a good read for the general reader.  For the book review, please click here.

("Hong Kong 2.0" gives the public a new perspective about the ICT industry.)

CK Sin

Panels

• Policies relating to the regulation of radio broadcasting and the use of radiocommunications apparatus for the purpose of radio broadcasting
• Progress update on the implementation of digital terrestrial television

Panel on Commerce and Industry

Next meeting: 19 February 2008 [Agenda]

• Follow-up to the Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2007

Motions

20 February 2008

• Report of the Subcommittee on Review of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme
• Rezoning of industrial areas

Council questions

• Internet protocol (23 January 2008)
• Assessment of bids for development of new cruise terminal at Kai Tak (30 January 2008)

News

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) in Hong Kong 2008

Jointly organized by CAHK and office of Mr. Sin Chung Kai, WTISD is an event aiming at bringing young people’s attention to the ICT industry. A series of activities will be held in coming months. For details of WTISD, please click here.

Second Consultation on Development of Mobile Television Services

It aims to further solicit views from the public and the industry on the proposed implementation framework for the development of mobile television services in Hong Kong. Please send your views and comments to the CTB/OFTA by email to mobiletv@cedb.gov.hk or by fax to 2511 1458 by April 28, 2008.

Activities

PC3 Platinum Brand Election 2007

The purpose of the election is to award the brands which have brought quality products to the markets in 2007 through a public election.

Forum - Consultation on Development of Mobile Television Services

In response to the consultation paper on Development of Mobile TV Services by CEDB, CAHK has organized a forum to share different views from the industry players and also exchange ideas with the Government representatives.

For details, please visit here.

As an elected legislator, I always love to know your views. If you have anything would like to share with me, you can either email me or make an appointment for an office visit or home visit. Please leave your name, contact number, and discussion topic via email, and my office will follow up your request with phone calls accordingly.