Review of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance

March 4, 2002

The Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau (ITBB) is now conducting a review of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553), with a view to ensuring that Hong Kong has the most up-to-date legislative framework for the conduct of e-commerce.

"The Electronic Transactions Ordinance has provided a clear legal framework for electronic transactions to drive the development of e-business in Hong Kong. We need to ensure that our legal infrastructure keeps in pace with local and international development and meets the needs of the growing Information Society," a spokesman for the Bureau said today (March 4).

Since the enactment of the Ordinance in 2000, various developments of e-business have taken place in Hong Kong. The Government has taken the lead to accept electronic submissions under law for the bulk of the legislation in Hong Kong. The Electronic Service Delivery Scheme to provide Government services online has been launched. The local public key infrastructure has been established through the setting up of recognised certification authorities which provide authentication services for electronic transactions. Many e-business applications have been rolled out in both the public and private sectors, e.g. online banking and stock trading etc.

The Government has committed to review the Ordinance 18 months after its enactment. As a first step, ITBB started in the summer last year an internal consultation exercise to seek the views of all Government bureaux and departments on the implementation of the ETO. The Bureau has subsequently formulated a set of preliminary proposals to update and improve the ETO and will now consult the public on the proposals.

"It is timely to review the Ordinance, taking into account the experience gained from the operation of the Ordinance, technological advancement, social changes and international e-business development," the spokesman said.

"We now invite public views on the review. We aim to bring our legal framework up-to-date to facilitate further development and adoption of e-business in Hong Kong," he said.

Information about the review of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance is now available at the website of ITBB (http://www.info.gov.hk/itbb). The Bureau has also proactively invited views on the review from the IT industry, professional bodies, trade associations, universities and other organisations which have an interest in e-business development in Hong Kong.

Views can be sent by post to ITBB, 2/F, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong, or by fax to 2511 1458, or by e-mail to etoreview@itbb.gov.hk. The consultation will end on April 30, 2002.

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