Personal data of two computer users thought to have infringed copyright law has still not been disclosed to record companies almost a year after the High Court ordered an internet service provider to hand it over.
Hong Kong Broadband Network, which has already provided the details of 13 users, was yesterday given a week to provide further information on the remaining two or tell the companies why it could not.
'If it's not a commercial secret, communicate! If it's a commercial secret, say it!' Deputy Judge Louis Chan Kong-yiu told the company's solicitor, George Sit Chai-lau. 'I am not blaming your client for [not complying]. I am blaming your client for not communicating, and that was wrong.'
Mr Sit earlier told the court HK Broadband 'found no matching details' for the two account holders.
The case stemmed from a successful application by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry for a court order compelling four internet service providers to disclose to 10 record companies the personal data of 49 computer users alleged to have illegally uploaded and downloaded music via the internet.
Ordering HK Broadband to communicate with the firms, Judge Chan said the August order 'is still a good order' and noted that 'by an affidavit dated September 7, 2006, Mr Yip Kwong-tak of Hong Kong Broadband Network confirmed and told the court that the company would give total compliance with the order'.