In this era of information explosion, we are exposed to a wide variety of online media and contents every day. Whilst some content may arouse our curiosity, they may also contain obscene and indecent content.  Posting or even forwarding these contents on the internet may contravene Hong Kong laws, including the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance (Chapter 390 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (“COIAO”).  In order not to fall foul of the law, let’s understand the COIAO together.What are Obscene and Indecent Articles?Under the COIAO, "obscenity" and "indecency" include violence, depravity and repulsiveness.  An article may be classified as:Class I : Neither Obscene nor indecentClass II : IndecentClass III : Obscene The Obscene Articles Tribunal (“OAT”) set up under the COIAO has exclusive jurisdiction to decide whether an article is obscene, indecent or neither.Restrictions on the Publication of Obscene and Indecent ArticlesMaterials published on the InternetArticles likely to be classified as Class II (indecent) according to the COIAO should be preceded by an entry page on the Internet carrying the required statutory warning.  Those likely to be classified as Class III (obscene) are prohibited from publication.Other Articles regulated by the COIAO (such as comics, magazines, etc.)Class II articles must not be published to persons below 18.  An indecent article must be sealed in a wrapper with the statutory warning notice and information of the publisher displayed.  The publication of obscene articles is prohibited.PenaltiesAny person who publishes an indecent article to a person under the age of 18, or publicly displays any indecent matter, or publishes any indecent article without complying with the statutory requirements, or possesses for the purpose of publication any indecent article in respect of which any requirement of section 24 of the COIAO is contravened, is liable to a fine of $400,000 and to imprisonment for 1 year on first conviction, and to a fine of $800,000 and to imprisonment for 1 year on any subsequent conviction.  Any person who publishes, possesses or imports for the purpose of publication any obscene article, is liable to a fine of $1,000,000 and to imprisonment for 3 years.Whilst enjoying the entertainment and convenience brought to us by the different kinds of media contents on the internet, we must also abide by the law, maintain a healthy mindset, and stay away from obscene and indecent materials.  Every choice we make will affect our future, so let us make it a wise decision together!  If you want to know more about the COIAO, please click here and visit the website of Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration.

To further address the housing needs of young people, the Government announced in the 2022 Policy Address and the Youth Development Blueprint the initiative to expand the Youth Hostel Scheme by subsidising NGOs to rent suitable hotels and guesthouses for use as youth hostels.The "Sky One Hostel" located at 8 Tin Sau Road, formerly the Hotel Cozi Wetland, is launched by the Tin Shui Wai Residents Services Association Fund Committee Limited and the Billion Development and Project Management Limited. The youth hostel has a total of 336 rooms, providing up to 672 hostel places for one-person or two-person application. One of the features of the project is to help youth tenants broaden their horizons and enrich their understanding of the country and the world through different kinds of trainings and cultural exchange programmes. Youth tenants will also be invited to organise activities to make good use of their talents and nurture their sense of belonging to the community. In addition, the Tin Shui Wai Residents Services Association Fund Committee Limited will regularly arrange volunteer services to encourage youth tenants to contribute to the community and cultivate their sense of ownership.Eligibility- Hong Kong permanent resident aged 18 or above but below 31 as at the application deadline- Working youth (e.g. Full-time, Part-time, Self-employed) - Monthly income not exceeding HKD28,000 for a one-person applicant (The income level of a two-person applicant should not exceed twice that of a one-person applicant)- Total net asset not exceeding HKD398,000 and HKD796,000 respectively for a one-person applicant and a two-person applicant - Does not solely or jointly or through a company own any residential property in Hong Kong- Eligible youth who are applying for or waiting for public housing or interim housing can apply for youth hostels. They are not required to give up their applications for public housing and interim housing- Have not been living in the youth hostels under the Youth Hostel Scheme of the Government, for more than three yearsDetails and Applicationhttps://www.tsw-yh.org.hk/(Chinese Only)Enquiry No.2254 7232