Hong Kong Customs officers will enhance enforcement against all
forms of piracy during the World Cup and maintain close
surveillance of the Internet, the Customs and Excise Department
said Friday.
The department warned that distribution of subscription
television programs or any copyright work via the Internet without
a license is a crime. Downloading from the Internet any copyright
work, including subscription television programs, without a
license, is also an offense. If Customs officers come across any
intellectual property infringement offense, they will take
appropriate action.
Noting media reports that live World Cup broadcasts by
subscription television might be available for free viewing on the
Internet by using certain software, the department appealed to the
public not to engage in such activities. Both commercial and
domestic users of illicit decoders will be subject to court action.
Officers will tighten inspection to seize illegal decoders imported
into Hong Kong at all boundary control points.
(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2006)
