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SCMP Reporter

Updated at 2.10pm:
Most Hong Kong people were unaware they were breaking the law by bringing mobile phones with video recording capabilities into cinemas, a survey revealed on Thursday.

The survey, conducted by Pop Link Promotions on behalf of DiGiT Weekly magazine in November and December 2004, asked 825 people about their mobile phone use.

More than two thirds of respondents said they knew mobile phones or digital cameras which could film things were classified as 'video recording equipment'. But nearly 60 per cent said they were not aware that it was illegal to take them into cinemas.

This is despite a government warning - shown before films begin in Hong Kong cinemas.

The Legislative Council has passed an amendment to the Prevention of Copyright Piracy Ordinance on April 1 2001. This makes it a criminal offence to bring video recording equipment into a cinema, theatre or concert hall without authorisation or a reasonable excuse. The maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and three months' imprisonment.

Most people surveyed supported the amendment being changed. Some 65.7 per cent thought it was too severe, and 68.5 per cent believed it should be revised to allow possession of video recording equipment in cinemas - as long as no recording was done.

 Asked what they would do if they had video recording equipment with them and wanted to see a film, 49.4 per cent said they would 'sneak' it into the cinema.
 But 24.8 per cent said they would not watch the film; 16.1 per cent said they would find a cinema with storage facilities.

Organisers of the survey suggested the government should clarify whether the existing law covered mobile phones with video recording functions. They also recommended a review of the ordinance. They argued that the prevalence of mobile phones with video recorders made today's situation different from 2001's.

Mobile phone users should go to cinemas and concert halls that provide storage services and consult staff first, the survey organisers advised.



Many unaware of legality of using mobile phones with cameras in cinemas