LCSD Introduces Enhanced Identity Authentication Measures to Further Combat Touting Activities

LCSD introduces enhanced identity authentication measures to further combat touting activities

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (June 11) a new measure to enhance the authentication of the identity of hirers of leisure and sports facilities/venues, aiming to further combat unauthorised transfer of bookings of these facilities/venues (commonly referred to as touting activities).

Under the new measure, with effect from July 7, 2026, SmartPLAY users who log into the My SmartPLAY mobile app via "iAM Smart" will have priority in booking facilities available within seven days from 7am each day. SmartPLAY users not intending to use "iAM Smart" can continue to log into the My SmartPLAY mobile app, the official SmartPLAY website, smart self-service stations or service counters at various leisure venues to make bookings from 7.15am each day. The new measure leverages the authentication function of "iAM Smart" to strengthen the verification of the identity of hirers of leisure and sports facilities/venues. As the period from 7am to 7.15am is the peak booking time of ordinary users and also the most active booking time of "touters" using computer programmes or automated tools, implementing the new measure in this period will more effectively prevent touting activities.

As "iAM Smart" is for use by persons aged 11 or above, SmartPLAY users aged under 11 can continue to make bookings through the My SmartPLAY mobile app from 7am each day.

For the above new measure, the LCSD strongly encourages SmartPLAY users aged 11 or above to register as "iAM Smart" users for making priority bookings of leisure and sports facilities/venues from 7am each day. Members of the public may visit the "iAM Smart" website (www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html) to understand how to register as "iAM Smart" users. In addition, the Digital Policy Office will set up mobile service counters at the LCSD's leisure venues from June 14 to August 9 to assist members of the public in registering as "iAM Smart" users. Details are set out in the Annex. For details of the identity authentication of "SmartPLAY" users via "iAM Smart", please visit the "News" (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk/website/en/news.html) and "Tutorial Video" (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk/website/en/video/tutorial.html) sections on the official SmartPLAY website, or call the enquiry hotline at 3954 5150.

For implementing the above new measure, the LCSD will temporarily suspend the services of the My SmartPLAY mobile app and the official SmartPLAY website from 10.30am to 1.30pm on June 22 (Monday) for conducting a system upgrade. Users who plan to access the system during the said period are advised to do so before or after that period. Alternatively, users may access the SmartPLAY system by using the smart self-service stations or service counters at various leisure venues in person.

The LCSD once again reminds SmartPLAY users not to permit any third party to use their "iAM Smart" accounts, and not to provide their account information to "touters" for making bookings. Any users who have ever used touting services or provided their account information to others should change their passwords as soon as possible. The LCSD will continue to strictly enforce the Conditions of Use of SmartPLAY. For any users breaching the conditions concerned by using computer programmes or automated tools to make bookings or interfere with the normal operation of the system, regardless of whether they have logged into the SmartPLAY system via "iAM Smart" and whether any booking or transaction has been made, the LCSD will suspend their accounts for 360 days without giving any prior notice.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Photo by Bastille Post

DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 26) investigating a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

The case involves a 6-year-old girl with good past health who presented with a cough since July 20. She developed a fever, runny nose, sore throat and tiredness on July 23 and was brought to seek medical attention at a private clinic. As her symptoms persisted, she was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on July 24, and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. Her respiratory specimen collected by the hospital on July 24 tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. The patient remains hospitalised in stable condition and is transferred to a general ward.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. As the patient travelled to Japan during the incubation period (July 16 to 19), the CHP classified the case as an imported case. The CHP will continue to investigate the case. One of the girl's household contacts developed mild upper respiratory symptoms and tested negative for influenza virus. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, the influenza activity has continued to increase. Based on historical surveillance data, the CHP expects the influenza activity to rise steadily for some time after the start of the influenza season before reaching its peak and is expected to remain high in the coming weeks.

The CHP reminded members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, to seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.

In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Given that Hong Kong is currently in the influenza season and the COVID-19 activity has significantly increased, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places; the general public is also advised to wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school. If symptomatic individuals live with high-risk or immunocompromised persons, they should also wear a surgical mask at home to minimise the risk of cross-infection. They should also ensure proper ventilation indoors and enhance the cleaning and disinfection of the household environment.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza Webpage,COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, andVaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.

Source: AI-found images