LAWS to regulate the Internet are unlikely in the coming year but there are plans to table the controversial Broadcasting Bill in February.
James So Yiu-cho, who retired as Secretary for Recreation and Culture last week cited a number of problems involved in controlling materials on the Internet.
Mr So said Bill of Rights implications, jurisdiction problems and difficulties with evidence and enforcement complicated the task.
A branch official said they were still looking at overseas developments. The US is the only country which regulates the Internet.
The Broadcasting Bill was to be discussed in the Executive Council in January and tabled to the Legislative Council in February if Chinese agreement was forthcoming.
Deputy Secretary for Recreation and Culture Fred Ting Fook-cheung earlier said the bill had been shelved because it was likely to incur Chinese wrath, which was subsequently denied.
The bill seeks to update and combine legislation for Hong Kong's regulatory framework for television and sound broadcasting services.
