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The Government today (April 24) invited the public, including internet users, copyright owners and service providers, to give their views on copyright protection in the digital environment before the current consultation exercise on the issue ends next Monday (April 30).
A Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau spokesman said the views of the public, especially those from stakeholders, were important inputs for deciding how best to provide an environment conducive to the sustainable development of our creative industries in this digital era.
In December 2006, the Bureau launched a public consultation exercise to review if the existing legislative framework needed to be improved for more effective copyright protection in the digital environment.
Issues examined in the consultation document include the legal liability for unauthorised uploading and downloading activities, the protection of copyright works transmitted to the public via all forms of communication technology, the role of online service providers in relation to combating internet piracy, and measures to facilitate copyright owners to take civil actions against online infringement.
Public forums and consultative sessions for targeted groups have been held in the past few months to collect people's views.
"The Government has an open mind on how the various issues raised in the consultation document should be addressed. We will carefully consider the views received before determining the way forward," the spokesman said.
"In formulating proposals, we will be mindful of the need to avoid over-regulation that may stifle the development of the Internet service sector."
"We will also give due consideration to the possible concerns in the community about the implications of stronger copyright protection in the digital environment over dissemination of information and protection of personal privacy."
"We encourage everyone concerned to share with us their views and comments. Please send us views on or before next Monday (April 30) by email to co_review@citb.gov.hk, by fax: 2869 4420, or by post to Level 29, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong for attention of Division 3, Commerce and Industry Branch," the spokesman said.
The consultation document can be downloaded from the website of the Commerce and Industry Branch of the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau, www.citb.gov.hk/cib.
Ends/Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:23
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