Govt Proposes Law To Fine Pesky Cold Callers

The government's put forward plans for a new law that would punish telemarketers with fines of up to tens of thousands of dollars if they phone people who sign up to a "do-not-call" register to be set up.

The opt-out list would be similar to one already in place regarding recorded messages, and people would be able to report any breaches to the authorities.

Salespeople or their employers could then be fined up to HK$100,000 for a first conviction and even more if they go on to ignore the register again.

Only commercial organisations would be covered by the law and other bodies, including charities, schools and hospitals, would be exempt.

IT sector lawmaker Charles Mok said the move is long overdue after having been discussed for many years.

"Even though there is no way that all of these calls can be stamped out...some people have talked about the possibility of calls coming from overseas or the mainland or so on. But at least, I think, having such a law will send a clear message and a deterrent effect," Mok said.

He added that he would like the government to make it clear which department or agency would be responsible for enforcing the law and whether they would have the resources necessary to do a proper job.