In this era of information explosion, we are exposed to a wide variety of online media and contents every day. Whilst some content may arouse our curiosity, they may also contain obscene and indecent content.  Posting or even forwarding these contents on the internet may contravene Hong Kong laws, including the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance (Chapter 390 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (“COIAO”).  In order not to fall foul of the law, let’s understand the COIAO together.

What are Obscene and Indecent Articles?

Under the COIAO, "obscenity" and "indecency" include violence, depravity and repulsiveness.  An article may be classified as:

Class I : Neither Obscene nor indecent
Class II : Indecent
Class III : Obscene 

The Obscene Articles Tribunal (“OAT”) set up under the COIAO has exclusive jurisdiction to decide whether an article is obscene, indecent or neither.

Restrictions on the Publication of Obscene and Indecent Articles

Materials published on the Internet
Articles likely to be classified as Class II (indecent) according to the COIAO should be preceded by an entry page on the Internet carrying the required statutory warning.  Those likely to be classified as Class III (obscene) are prohibited from publication.

Other Articles regulated by the COIAO (such as comics, magazines, etc.)
Class II articles must not be published to persons below 18.  An indecent article must be sealed in a wrapper with the statutory warning notice and information of the publisher displayed.  The publication of obscene articles is prohibited.

Penalties

Any person who publishes an indecent article to a person under the age of 18, or publicly displays any indecent matter, or publishes any indecent article without complying with the statutory requirements, or possesses for the purpose of publication any indecent article in respect of which any requirement of section 24 of the COIAO is contravened, is liable to a fine of $400,000 and to imprisonment for 1 year on first conviction, and to a fine of $800,000 and to imprisonment for 1 year on any subsequent conviction.  Any person who publishes, possesses or imports for the purpose of publication any obscene article, is liable to a fine of $1,000,000 and to imprisonment for 3 years.

Whilst enjoying the entertainment and convenience brought to us by the different kinds of media contents on the internet, we must also abide by the law, maintain a healthy mindset, and stay away from obscene and indecent materials.  Every choice we make will affect our future, so let us make it a wise decision together!  If you want to know more about the COIAO, please click here and visit the website of Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration.