Joint Anti-spam Initiatives Announced (issued by Office of the Telecommunications Authority)

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Hong Kong will observe an industry Code of Practice to tackle spamming on the Internet, which involves bulk unsolicited e-mail messages or articles sent via electronic mail without the recipients' prior request or consent. This Code of Practice sets out that sanctions such as suspension of services should be imposed on spammers and that preventive measures should be taken by ISPs to reduce the possibility of spamming.

ISPs which conform to the industry Code of Practice will be authorised to use a special identification logo under the branding scheme to be launched by the Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association (HKISPA).

The above initiatives were announced today in a press conference jointly conducted by the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA), the HKISPA and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD).

OFTA has published, in consultation with the two bodies, a promotional leaflet titled FAQs on Spam, which contains useful tips for Internet users to minimise the nuisance of receiving spam. The leaflets are now available from all District Offices and major Post Offices. The FAQs and Code of Practice can also be accessed from OFTA's homepage at http://www.ofta.gov.hk.

"We are pleased to bring together the HKISPA and PCPD in a joint effort to tackle the problem of spamming through administrative measures. Industry self-regulation and consumer education are measures which have won support from the industry," said a spokesperson from OFTA.