Hong Kong Customs made a clarification today (May 29) that it has never arranged any public auctions for confiscated items through any social media pages or websites. The department reminds members of the public to stay vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams.
      
     Customs has recently noticed again that two dedicated pages were created on the Facebook platform with hyperlinks of shopping websites (see Annex), where related advertisements were published that falsely claimed that Hong Kong Customs was auctioning confiscated smuggled items at low prices, with the proceeds from the auction to be used for charity purposes.
      
     Customs officers found that lawbreakers have repeatedly published similar content on newly opened social media pages and websites. The public should stay alert to avoid losses.
      
     Customs said that the above-mentioned social media pages and websites conveyed false information intended to mislead consumers and they are suspected of infringing intellectual property rights, with a possibility of committing offences under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and the Copyright Ordinance (CO).
      
     The operator of the social media platform has already removed the relevant content upon Customs' request. In addition, Customs also requested the relevant website hosting company to take follow-up actions.
      
     Customs reiterates that confiscated items of all types will be handled strictly in accordance with established guidelines upon the completion of legal procedures. Items suitable for placing on a public auction will be co-ordinated and handled exclusively by the government department concerned in Hong Kong. The department never works with any external individuals or bodies to hold a public auction.
      
     Customs stresses that it has long been concerned with illegal online sales activities. It has strived to combat unfair trade practices and infringing activities on websites. It also maintains close co-operation with law enforcement authorities of other countries and regions to combat cross-boundary infringing activities and protect the rights of consumers and legitimate traders.
      
     Customs will initiate a follow-up investigation if the infringing activities involve local persons. If the relevant platform is located outside Hong Kong but is involved in local criminal infringing activities, Customs will refer the cases to law enforcement authorities outside Hong Kong for joint follow-up actions.
      
     Customs reminds consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or online shops and to avoid conducting transaction with suspicious traders. They should check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
      
     According to the TDO, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. In addition, "trade descriptions", in relation to goods, refers to an indication, direct or indirect, and in whatever form and by whatever means (including verbal), with respect to goods or any part of the goods, including the method of manufacture, production and processing, or the previous ownership or use. Traders should not give any false or misleading product information to consumers. Making a false or misleading statement about goods to a material degree may constitute an offence of false trade description. Violation of the TDO is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
      
     In addition, according to the CO, anyone who, without the licence of the copyright owner, distributes an infringing copy of a work through any device or electronic platform to such an extent as to affect prejudicially the owner, or possesses any infringing items for business purposes, commits an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the above-mentioned ordinances to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     A Mainland male was charged at the Sha Tin Magistrates' Courts with two counts of making false representation to an Immigration Department (ImmD) staff member, and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment today (May 29).
 
     The 43-year-old defendant arrived in Hong Kong as a visitor. During his stay, the defendant submitted applications for extension of stay to the ImmD, and claimed his reason for the extension was visiting his wife in Hong Kong. The ImmD later found out that the defendant's wife was already out of Hong Kong upon applications and thus began an investigation against the defendant.
 
     In the course of the investigation, the defendant admitted under caution that when submitting the extension applications, he declared to Immigration staff that he was to visit his wife in Hong Kong although he clearly knew that his wife was not in Hong Kong. The defendant was subsequently charged with the offence of making false representation to Immigration staff for the reason of extension. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment by the Sha Tin Magistrates' Courts today.
 
     "Under the laws of Hong Kong, any person who makes false representation to an Immigration officer commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, subject to the maximum penalty of a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years," an ImmD spokesman said.

     Following is a question by the Hon Rock Chen and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (May 29):
 
Question:
 
     It has been reported that the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council indicated earlier that Hong Kong should establish the concept of "tourism is everywhere" and endeavour to develop novel travel itineraries and products by drawing reference from the successful experience of other cities. In addition, it is learnt that in recent years, South Korea and New Zealand have preserved the filming locations or sets of some popular local movie/TV works and developed them into tourist attractions to attract visits by tourists. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) as it has been reported that the movie "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" built the set of the Kowloon Walled City at Tat Tak Public School in Ping Shan, Yuen Long and Shing Fung Film Studio in Ho Chung, Sai Kung, whether the authorities have considered liaising with the relevant film production company to develop the movie set into a tourist attraction, or keep part of the set and props at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Film Archive and the Kowloon Walled City Park, etc. for exhibition to attract tourist visits; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) whether the authorities have plans to work with local film production companies to develop movie-themed tourism products or activities, such as guided tours, workshops or interactive exhibitions, to promote Hong Kong's film culture, increase the diversity of Hong Kong's tourism industry and enhance Hong Kong's image and presence as a tourism destination; and
 
(3) whether the authorities will study how to create synergies with the tourism industry through locally produced movies and television dramas, so as to make travelling to Hong Kong more attractive; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Regarding the question raised by the Hon Rock Chen, I reply as follows:
 
(1) and (2) The film sets of "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" built on vacant government lands have been demolished upon completion of filming before returning the sites to the Government. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism has witnessed the film was well received by the international film industry and the appeal of Hong Kong films during the delegation of Hong Kong Film Development Council and film industry led by him to the Cannes Film Festival. The Government is in discussion with the film company to explore about the possibility of organising an exhibition of the film related materials, for example, stills, video footage and props of the film so as to attract the public and tourists to visit and learn more about the history of Kowloon Walled City and behind-the-scenes of the film production. It is hoped that the film integrating with relevant tourism programmes, can facilitate development of film tourism.
 
     In addition, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will enhance the existing contents of and arrangements for the guided tours to the Kowloon Walled City Park by strengthening the introduction to the history of the Kowloon Walled City and highlighting its connection to the setting and scenes of the film. The LCSD and the Tourism Commission can also provide training for practitioners of the tourism industry to enrich their understanding of the history and attractions of the Kowloon Walled City so as to increase the appeal of local tourist spots. Create Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Film Development Council will consider to support relevant exhibitions and promotional activities for promotion of film culture and film-related IP through the Film Development Fund.
      
     The Government will continue to actively look for suitable Hong Kong films for development of film thematic tourist attractions and promotion of Hong Kong film culture. The current blending of the elements of "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" with tourism will provide valuable experience in integrating film culture and tourism in the future.
 
(3) In addition to dedicating to the provision of assistance to all film and TV productions in Hong Kong, Create Hong Kong has also been actively organising and subsidising Hong Kong film programmes in Mainland and overseas international film festivals and cities in recent years so that audiences from around the world can watch Hong Kong films and know about the unique charms about Hong Kong from these films. In the long run, these film programmes can help promote tourism in Hong Kong. The film programme footprints cover all around the world including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Czech Republic, Poland, Australia, United States of America, Mexico and Canada. Create Hong Kong took a step further in film promotion this year to lead film industry delegations and bring their films to the world's leading film festivals to promote Hong Kong films and their creative talents and to facilitate exchanges with our counterparts in the world through the Film Development Fund, so as to tell good stories of Hong Kong.
 
     Hong Kong movies have long been highly appreciated internationally and are important tourism assets. Through the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the Government has been promoting Hong Kong via local movies. In 2023, the HKTB partnered with Asia's top entertainment company and presented a micro-film series, titled Hong Kong in the Lens by Asian Directors, with acclaimed directors from three of Hong Kong's major source markets in Asia, Thailand, the Philippines and South Korea, creating three micro-films showcasing Hong Kong's vibrant bar scene, authentic local characteristics, and arts and cultural attractions to inspire visitors from around the world to follow the movie scenes and come to experience Hong Kong's new offerings. The series was an official selection in the "Hong Kong Asian Film Festival 2023" and was premiered in Seoul, Bangkok and Manila. It is also available on TV and various online streaming platforms in Asia, broadcasting the city's tourism appeal captured by the acclaimed directors to different visitor source markets.
      
     To pay tribute to classic Hong Kong movies and inspire movie lovers worldwide to experience Hong Kong in person, the HKTB has since 2022 partnered with the local movie industry to produce a brand-new docufilm, called Hong Kong Classics Reimagined. The docufilm unprecedentedly brought together numerous actors and movie makers, both veterans and rising stars, to recreate six short films from Hong Kong classics in a new 60-minute film, featuring Hong Kong's iconic tourism attractions. Hong Kong Classics Reimagined is now available on the HKTB's Discover Hong Kong official online streaming platform, and will be aired on major TV channels in Southeast Asia and the online platforms of Mainland media organisations to promote Hong Kong globally. Alongside the docufilm, a dedicated travel guide was launched on the HKTB's Discover Hong Kong website (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/cinematic-hong-kong.html) to provide information on a curated list of experiences in Hong Kong to encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the city's cinematic charm and to attract worldwide audiences to the city for movie and cultural pilgrimages.
      
     In addition to supporting local movie production, the Government has been supporting the production of films from other markets to be made in Hong Kong to showcase the city's unique culture and exciting tourism elements to audiences worldwide through the silver screen, thereby attracting them to visit Hong Kong and experience the diverse tourism appeal of the city, including recommending filming locations with characteristic and liaising with relevant venues, and injecting Hong Kong inspiration in international blockbusters, such as "Transformers: Age of Extinction" (2014) and "Godzilla vs Kong" (2021). Besides, the HKTB also worked with Mainland movie Lost in Hong Kong in 2015 to roll out thematic itineraries in sets of the movie in partnership with the production company, local attractions and travel agencies.
      
     For promotions in Southeast Asia, the HKTB supported the filming of Filipino romcom "Hello, Love, Goodbye" in Hong Kong in 2019. The movie was a great hit in the market and successfully deepened viewers' understanding of Hong Kong and their interest in visiting Hong Kong. Last year, the HKTB supported the filming of Asian romantic film "Under Parallel Skies", starring popular Thai actor Win Metawin and Filipino actress Janella Salvador. The HKTB offered suggestions on set locations and content, and the movie incorporated some cultural elements of Hong Kong. The movie was set in Hong Kong's East-meets-West backdrop, nostalgic neighbourhoods, natural scenery and outlying islands, and included some new attractions, encouraging viewers to explore the city's attractions found in both the urban landscape and great outdoors. "Under Parallel Skies" premiered globally during the 17th Asian Film Awards this year and was shown in cinemas in Southeast Asian countries and Hong Kong.
      
     The Government will continue to partner with the movie and tourism industries to leverage the influence of movies and make good use of the city's tourism elements for better promotional effects to attract more visitors to Hong Kong.

     The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (May 28) arrested five women and a man in various districts on suspicion of committing “Offences in Connection with Seditious Intention”, contravening Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Police today (May 29) further arrested a 53-year-old woman on Hong Kong Island on suspicion of committing “Offences in Connection with Seditious Intention”, contravening Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The number of persons arrested in the case has now increased to seven.

     Investigation revealed that a woman, remanded in custody, had exploited an upcoming sensitive date to repeatedly publish posts with seditious intention on a social platform anonymously with the assistance of at least six arrested persons since April 2024, with content provoking hatred towards the Central Authorities and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Judiciary, as well as inciting netizens to organise or participate in relevant illegal activities at a later stage.

     The arrested persons are being detained for further enquiries, except for the one who has been in custody.

     Police reiterate that offences in connection with seditious intention are very serious crimes, with a maximum penalty of up to seven years' imprisonment. The enforcement action is still on-going and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hak-kan and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (May 29):

Question:

     It has been reported that cybersecurity incidents, including unauthorised access into computer systems by hackers and leakage of personal data, have occurred one after another in government departments and other public organisations in recent years, which have aroused public concern and worries. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of data leakage incidents that occurred in government departments and other public organisations in the past three years; of the follow-up actions taken by the government departments in respect of such incidents, including whether they have imposed penalties on the responsible personnel concerned, and whether the law enforcement agencies concerned have investigated if such incidents involved criminal elements; if the government departments and law enforcement agencies have, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) of the mechanism in place to ensure and monitor compliance by government departments and other public organisations with the Guidance Note on Data Security Measures for Information and Communications Technology drawn up by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong;

(3) given that according to the Baseline IT Security Policy formulated by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, civil servants who contravene the IT security policy may be subjected to relevant disciplinary actions, whether any civil servant has been subjected to disciplinary actions as a result of the data leakage incidents mentioned in (1); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(4) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of local cybersecurity-related professionals, and of the measures in place to train more relevant professionals, so as to enhance the cybersecurity of government departments and other public organisations; and

(5) of the specific plans and measures (including amending or enacting the relevant legislation) the Government has in place in the coming year to enhance the cybersecurity of government departments and other public organisations?

Reply:

President,

     Regarding the Hon Chan Hak-kan's question, in consultation with the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB), the Security Bureau and the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the reply is as follows:

(1) and (3) Under the existing Government Information Technology Security Policy and Guidelines, when an information technology (IT) security incident occurred, the concerned bureaux and departments (B/Ds) must report it to the Government Information Security Incident Response Office, and notify as appropriate the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) and/or the Police depending on the nature of incident. In the past three years, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) received a total of seven information security incident reports that might involve data leakage of individual government departments. We do not maintain any information regarding information security incidents of public organisations.

     B/Ds responsible for the IT systems related to the above incidents will set up task force to conduct comprehensive investigation of the causes of individual incident. The heads of B/Ds will handle cases in accordance with the established procedure if their personnel or contracted service providers are suspected of violating relevant regulations or engaging in illegal acts. The CSB does not comment on the disciplinary cases of individual officers.

(2) Government B/Ds must comply with the requirements set out in the Policy and Guidelines. The relevant information security principles are generally in line with the directions of the measures recommended in the Guidance Note on Data Security Measures for Information and Communications Technology issued by the PCPD, covering for example encryption of data during transmission and storage, prohibition against storing sensitive and personal data on public cloud platforms, and conducting regular security risk assessment and audits (SRAA) by B/Ds for their IT infrastructure, information systems and data assets. The Policy and Guidelines is also published for reference by the industry (including both public and private organisations) and their formulation of appropriate IT security measures having regard to their own situations.

(4) According to the manpower survey conducted by the Vocational Training Council in 2022, the number of IT security-related professionals in Hong Kong was 1 587, about half of whom were cyber security-related professionals. The Government is carrying out a new round of Manpower Projections to gauge the manpower requirements for major industries (including the innovation and technology industry) in the coming five years. Key findings are expected to be available in the third quarter of this year and a full report will be released in early 2025 at the earliest. This would help facilitate our human resources planning related to cyber security.

     The OGCIO is committed to promoting various initiatives to facilitate the comprehensive development of the IT security industry in Hong Kong, nurture manpower and strengthen the cyber security defence capability of relevant personnel. These initiatives include:

(i) collaboration with the IT industry to regularly organise activities such as thematic seminars, technical workshop, certificate courses on information security, cyber security incident response training and the Information Security Summit, so as to enhance IT practitioners' information security skills and knowledge;

(ii) working in partnership with the industry to hold different promotion activities such as school visits, InfoSec Tours, the Cyber Youth Programme and the Hong Kong Cyber Security New Generation Capture the Flag Challenge, to enhance youngsters and students' knowledge and interest in cyber security, thereby encouraging and grooming more talents for the information security industry; and

(iii) supporting tertiary institutions in their provision of more information security programmes, collaboration with professional information security associations to promote professional accreditation for IT practitioners, and organising activities including seminars and workshops which aim to nurture more IT practitioners with information security knowledge and skills.

(5) To ensure the smooth implementation and operation of government IT systems, the OGCIO introduced a series of new measures to B/Ds in February 2024, including arranging additional independent cyber security tests such as simulated real-world intrusion attack drills for large-scale and high-risk IT projects before launch, which help B/Ds to detect and patch relevant systems' vulnerabilities at an early stage and assess the detection and resilience capabilities of the systems in response to cyber attacks. The OGCIO is also actively examining measures on enhancing B/Ds' usual SRAA for information systems, regular network monitoring, spot checks, compliance audits and staff training, so as to strengthen the abilities to monitor and safeguard for government information systems.

     In addition, the OGCIO will take the lead in organising cyber security attack and defence drills in the second half of this year to test and strengthen the information systems security of government departments and public bodies, by leveraging the capabilities and experiences of Mainland organisations specialised in attack and defence drills. The OGCIO will also continue to update the Policy and Guidelines from time to time with reference to the latest technological development as well as national and international information security management standards, with a view to strengthening the Government's IT security requirements and addressing the increasing cyber security risks.

     To enhance the protection of cyber security of critical infrastructures, the Government plans to define clearly, through legislation, the cyber security obligations of the operators of these critical infrastructure. This includes the establishment of a good preventive management system to ensure the secure operation of their information systems and networks. The Security Bureau aims to introduce a Bill into the Legislative Council within this year.