Hong Kong lawmakers pass Copyright (Amendment) Bill
10 December 2022
Legislators in Hong Kong this week passed the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, which will update the Special Administrative Region’s copyright law.
Broadcaster RTHK reported that the amendments include bringing in “technology-neutral exclusive communication right” into the law, which allows copyright owners to communicate their works through any mode of electronic transmission and specifies punishment for violating the newly-covered right.
The radio network also reported that exemptions were added for “certain common internet activities”, including satire, parody and commenting on current affairs.
The government had twice attempted to amend the copyright law but failed to get its proposals through lawmakers. Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (Legco) also passed legislative amendments that will see the setting up of a licensing regime for service providers of virtual assets (VA).
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui said in a statement that virtual assets exchanges, similar to traditional financial service providers, will be covered by the city’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws. Before engaging in the virtual assets exchange business, dealers will first have to be licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission.
“For VA exchanges, a comprehensive and balanced regulatory framework can protect investors and promote responsible and sustainable industry development,” Hui said.
