Government joins hands with the community to tackle the spam problem

The Government is stepping up its educational campaign to enhance public's awareness of the problem of spam and to foster better co-operation between the community and the Government to tackle spamming, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang said today (August 12).

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony of the Anti-Spam Roving Exhibition, Mr Tsang said the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau (CITB) launched in February this year an anti-spam campaign entitled "STEPS" comprising a basket of measures which are being implemented.

Noting that education was the most effective means to combat spam, Mr Tsang said six programmes have been mounted as follows:

1. Broadcasting a series of 1-minute episode over the radio to offer the public with tips on how to prevent and handle different types of spam. A new series of six episodes has been on air since August 8.
2. A dedicated anti-spam website at www.antispam.gov.hk has been set up with a revamped version containing richer content and more interesting elements launched on August 12.
3. An anti-spam roving exhibition being organised at various popular shopping centers throughout the territory.
4. Leaflets on how to handle different types of spam. Apart from the exhibition venues, the leaflets are also available at public libraries and the District Offices of the Home Affairs Department.
5. A set of CD-ROM teaching aid for primary and secondary students has been designed. Adopting a lively approach, the package will be distributed to the community halls and youth centres, as well as all primary and secondary schools.
6. Organising seminars and workshops jointly with business associations on the importance of information security and ways to tackle spamming. They will also be reminded on how they could avoid becoming spammers themselves.

Mr Tsang said, "I hope that such educational activities can raise the awareness and understanding among members of the public and businesses about the spam problem. We all have a part to play in fighting the spam problem."

Also officiating at the ceremony were the Chairman of Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association, Mr York Mok; the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Howard Dickson; and Acting Director General of Telecommunications, Ms Gracie Foo.

The first round of the Anti-Spam Roving Exhibition started in August. The exhibition will feature various measures under the STEPS campaign; tips for consumers and business organisations on how to prevent and handle the spam problem; guidelines for e-marketers; and advices to protect personal computer from virus attacks.

Another highlight of the exhibition is an interesting and interactive computer game to help the public understand the problem of spam. Visitors can also use the computers at the exhibition booth to visit the dedicated anti-spam website.

Details of the first round of the exhibitions are as follows:

Ends

Friday, August 12, 2005