Electronic Identity
eID system development and testing 5. Mr CHAN Chun-ying noted that any organization adopting eID could only make use of the application programming interfaces (“APIs”) provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (“OGCIO”) and after verification of server certificates. He enquired whether private organizations should acquire the necessary equipment through OGCIO or purchase equipment of specific models by themselves. Government Chief Information Officer (“GCIO”) advised that, in using eID in their services, private organizations would only need to register with OGCIO and access the eID system through their information systems without the need to procure any specific equipment. OGCIO would invite interested organizations to participate in testing eID adoption in their online services so as to ensure compliance with the information security and related technical specifications.
GCIO advised that eID contractors were liable to a penalty if there was delay in the system development. OGCIO would monitor the system design, development and testing processes to ensure that the contractors would adhere to the work schedule. In general, OGCIO was responsible for the operation of the eID system whereas the contractors were required to maintain the system infrastructure and associated equipment in good conditions. Likewise, the contractors were liable to a penalty if they failed to do so. Resilience facilities would be in place to ensure stability in operation.
eID registration and usage
Mr CHAN Chun-ying noted that eID would be adopted by 26 egovernment services in mid-2020. He queried why the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”) did not adopt eID in the first phase of the launch of e-government services. Mr CHAN asked whether and when LCSD would adopt eID so as to combat touting activities for sports facilities under its management. GCIO indicated that LCSD was developing a new intelligent sports and recreation services booking and information system. The new system would comprise two phases which were planned to be launched by 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 respectively. LCSD would adopt eID upon the completion of the development.
Mr CHAN Chun-ying also noted that OGCIO would introduce a new service “e-ME” on GovHK portal, providing an option for residents with eID to set up e-ME accounts with personal data (including name, gender, Hong Kong identity card number, date of birth, residential address, contact telephone number, etc.). He enquired whether the Administration would consider establishing a three-tiered system to facilitate eID users in deciding about the extent of data to be disclosed so that different natures of personal data might be released for various purposes.
GCIO replied that it would be up to eID holders to decide whether their personal data stored in “e-ME” could be provided for use by other government departments or private organizations. Besides, eID holders could choose and determine the personal data to be transferred by indicating in the user interface their preference. The Deputy Chairman suggested that the Administration should clearly introduce the option of allowing his/her data to be transferred in the user interface of eID. GCIO agreed.
Update on the Review of the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance (Cap. 390)
Implementation of the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance
Mr CHAN Chun-ying asked whether the Administration was prepared to regulate obscene and indecent contents published on the Internet more proactively. SCED said that given the volume and nature of Internet contents, it would be infeasible to adopt the same approach as that for printed materials, DVD/CD, video games, etc