On set: Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Joseph Wong and popstar Jacky Cheung launch the new series of intellectual property rights publicity programmes.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Joseph Wong has backed the creative industries' civil action against copyright infringers, saying the Government is determined to combat Internet piracy.

Launching a new series of intellectual property rights publicity programmes today, Mr Wong reminded the community to avoid illegal uploading and downloading activities.

"I believe with the educational and publicity programmes that we launched jointly with the industries and the Customs & Excise Department's enforcement action, coupled with the industries' development of authorised downloading channels and their civil action against copyright infringers, the Internet piracy problem can be successfully tackled," he said.

Youth action

Formed by the Commerce, Industry & Technology Bureau, the Intellectual Property Department and Customs, in collaboration with the creative industries and a number of youth organisations, the publicity programmes promote respect for intellectual property rights in the digital environment.

The Youth Ambassador Against Internet Piracy Scheme will launch in July. Over 200,000 youngsters will participate as youth ambassadors. A purpose-built website will be formed for them to report suspected copyright infringement activities and forward the information to the appropriate body for follow-up action.

Two new television and radio announcements, featuring entertainers Jacky Cheung and Simon Yam, will be launched today to remind the public that unlawful activities on the Internet can be tracked down.

A teaching kit will be prepared to encourage students to adopt a proper attitude in handling copyright works on the Internet. The kit will consist of a teacher's manual, videos and presentation materials. The Government will also join radio stations to produce a series of publicity programmes targeting youngsters.