YouTube has blocked access to videos featuring “Glory to Hong Kong,” a protest song that became an anthem during the 2019 anti-government demonstrations in the city.
The move comes after a Hong Kong court approved an injunction banning the song, deeming it a “prohibited publication” that could be “weaponized” to incite secession.
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Users attempting to access the 32 affected YouTube videos from Hong Kong are now met with a message stating that the content is unavailable due to a court order. YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc., expressed disappointment with the court’s decision but confirmed that it would comply with the removal order. The company also stated that it would consider options for an appeal and shared concerns raised by human rights organizations about the potential chilling effect on free expression online.
The banned videos will also be excluded from Google Search results for users in Hong Kong. Experts, such as George Chen, co-chair of digital practice at Asia Group, have cautioned that the aggressive enforcement of the song’s removal by Hong Kong authorities could undermine investor confidence in the city. As a leading financial center, Hong Kong’s reputation relies on the free flow of data and information, and excessive restrictions could hinder its economic recovery.
The song “Glory to Hong Kong” was frequently sung by demonstrators during the massive 2019 protests and was even mistakenly played as the city’s anthem at international sporting events. Authorities have previously arrested residents for playing the song in public under various offenses, such as playing a musical instrument without a permit.
Critics argue that the ban on broadcasting or distributing the song further erodes freedom of expression in Hong Kong, particularly in the wake of Beijing’s crackdown following the 2019 protests. They also warn that the ban might disrupt the operations of tech giants and diminish the city’s appeal as a business center.
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As the situation unfolds, observers will be closely watching how Hong Kong authorities enforce the ban and how internet and social media platforms, which typically have policies for government removal requests, navigate this complex issue while balancing compliance with local laws with their putative commitment to free expression.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.