Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will depart for Brunei this afternoon to attend the 16th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference and related events.

Mr Lam will attend the conference as a member of the Chinese delegation and will speak on the theme of protecting children in the digital age at a plenary session. He will discuss with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) enhancing international co-operation with a view to protecting children from the threat of cybercrime.

Technological innovations offer diverse opportunities for children's development, but also expose them to multiple unprecedented risks, including safety concerns such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images and deepfakes. As cybercrimes targeting children transcend geographical boundaries, close cross-border co-operation is indispensable.

Mr Lam will introduce Hong Kong's existing legal framework in protecting children from cybercrimes, and the city’s policy direction and initiatives in response to the emerging risks.

During his trip in Brunei, Mr Lam will also attend bilateral meetings between the Chinese delegation and member states of ASEAN to deepen exchange and collaboration.

Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on October 23 upon conclusion of his visit. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary during his absence.