Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee stated on Tuesday that his administration would continue monitoring for any non-compliance with a court order that prohibits the popular protest song “Glory to Hong Kong.”
This statement comes just days after YouTube blocked access to dozens of videos featuring the song in the city.
The ban, which was sought by the government, targets anyone who broadcasts or distributes the song to advocate for Hong Kong’s separation from China. It also prohibits actions that misrepresent the song as the national anthem with the intent to insult it. “Glory to Hong Kong” was widely sung during the massive anti-government protests in 2019.
During his weekly news briefing, Lee said that if the government discovered any instances of non-compliance, it would notify the relevant internet platforms about the content of the injunction. He expressed his belief that operators generally operate within the law and assured that the government would continue to monitor the situation.
Critics have raised concerns that the court ban could lead to a further decline in the city’s freedom of expression and internet freedom. They have also warned that it might disrupt the operations of tech giants and undermine Hong Kong’s appeal as a global financial hub.
Last week, YouTube blocked access to 32 videos of the song for viewers in Hong Kong, deeming them “prohibited publications” under the injunction. The tech company expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and stated that it would continue to consider its options for an appeal.
Lee claimed that there were no links to the song shown on any local platforms and that Google’s search did not show any links to the song in question. However, a government transcript of his comments later clarified that Lee was referring to the links specified in the injunction order. The Associated Press found videos of the song on YouTube on Tuesday morning, and the song remains available on Spotify and Apple Music.
It remains unclear whether tech giants will block access to more video or audio clips of the song for Hong Kong viewers. Google, Spotify, and Apple did not immediately comment on the matter.
The government’s decision to seek a court ban on the protest anthem is seen as part of a larger crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong following the 2019 protests.
The song has also caused controversy when it was mistakenly played as the city’s anthem at international sporting events instead of China’s national anthem, “March of the Volunteers.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.