The attached press release is issued on behalf of the Consumers International (CI) .
Commenting on the findings of the CI survey, a spokesman for the Consumer Council noted that the issues identified in the Consumer International study covered a broad range of matters associated with the role of government, industry regulators, industry participants and consumers.
In the light of recent events concerning fraud arising from stolen credit card information, and Internet access passwords, it is clear that security is a major factor that needs to be addressed for consumers to have confidence in Internet shopping. The Council believes that it is the time for all stakeholders in the Hong Kong Internet industry to act together and establish a suitable mechanism that can protect consumers and help the growth of the industry in Hong Kong.
The Council considers that the best way forward to achieve some consumer safeguards in the short term, is through implementing a form of industry self regulation. To this end it has begun the process of raising issues and seeking the cooperation of interested persons. It has already been given in principle support from Government on its initiatives. The response from the Internet industry also gives some hope that the issues will be addressed.