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In response to media enquiries concerning an operation mounted by the Customs and Excise Department, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph WP Wong today (May 11) urged young people to respect intellectual property rights and not to get involved in any Internet piracy activities. The Customs has cracked a case in which songs were provided for free download without the authorisation of copyright owners.
"Illegal uploading or downloading of music, movies, TV series or software may attract civil or criminal liability. I strongly urge young people to stay away from these activities.
"I also remind parents to keep an eye on their children to ensure that they will not upload or download illegally copyright works on the Internet, and to educate them to respect copyright," Mr Wong stressed.
"Customs has been taking robust enforcement action against Internet piracy activities. I fully support their operation mounted yesterday.
"The Government has all along adopted a multi-pronged approach to combat Internet piracy activities. Apart from our efforts to carry out enforcement action, we will also enhance our co-operation with the industry and public education in the coming months to address the problem," he added.
Ends/Thursday, May 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:59
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