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SCMP Reporter

A voluntary code to control publication of obscene and indecent material on the Internet was launched yesterday, with the threat of a review after a year if it failed.

 But the code can only be applied against material put on to the Internet in Hong Kong, with no effective sanction against publishers in the rest of the world, where the vast bulk of the material originates.

 The code, issued by the Hong Kong Internet Service Providers' Association, which covers all major Internet firms, is supported by the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority.

 Both pledged it would not be used for political censorship.

 'We do not want to turn into an 'Internet cop',' said the association's chairman, Daniel Ng Chi-shing.

 Last year the Government proposed new laws to block access to pornographic sites worldwide, but the plan was scrapped amid criticism it was technically unfeasible and could be used for political censorship.

 Commissioner for Television and Entertainment Licensing Eddy Chan Yuk-tak said: 'If you strictly control the Internet you could stifle the free flow of information and inhibit the development of this new technology.

 'However, we must protect our young persons and children from the effect of indecent and obscene materials.'  He said the best strategy was to 'advise, inform and educate' young people but the code was a useful supplement, and would be reviewed after 12 months.

 In June a senior Correctional Services officer was given a suspended sentence after posting hard-core child pornography on the Internet.

 Ousted Democratic Party legislator and Internet pornography campaigner Andrew Cheng Kar-foo welcomed the code but said it would have little practical effect on the material available.

 'The Government should have a clearer definition of 'obscenity', otherwise it could be abused,' he said.

 Despite estimates there were more than 10,000 Web sites hosted in Hong Kong, the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority has received just four complaints.

 'There is a problem. But it is difficult to tell how serious it is at this stage,' said Mr Chan.

THE MAIN POINTS Category III material will not be published on the Internet.

Category II material must be preceded by warning notices similar to those on printed material.

Users who repeatedly break the above rules should be disconnected.

Internet firms should promote technology that can allow a rating classification or the blocking of certain sites.

The public may make complaints to a page's host Internet firm. The firm must 'act promptly and conscientiously on the complaint'.

Unresolved complaints may be referred to the TELA.

Statistics on complaints will be sent to the TELA every month.



Conduct code targets porn on Internet