Since the Unsolicited Electronic Message Ordinance went into effect on December 22, the operation of two do-not-call registers has been smooth. More than 26,000 numbers have been entered into the do-not-call register for fax and more than 28,000 for short messages.

The last of the three do-not-call registers, for pre-recorded phone messages, will launch on January 25.

The Office of the Telecommunications Authority has received about 1,500 reports since June 2007, when the first phase of the ordinance came into effect. Most of the reports were not related to the ordinance or the provisions in force.

The Anti-Spamming Task Force held its first meeting today. Chaired by Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma, the members were briefed on the ordinance's implementation.

They also exchanged views on other, non-legislative measures to combat spamming, including education, encouraging the use of technical solutions and enhancing international co-operation.

"With representation from different stakeholders from the community, the task force provides a useful platform to share and exchange views on how to further tackle the problem of spamming," Mr Ma said.

Background

The Anti-Spamming Task Force includes representatives from chambers of commerce, electronic marketing industry associations, electronic communications industry associations, consumer groups and the Legislative Council. Relevant government departments includes OFTA, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and the Trade & Industry Department.