Hong Kong to Monitor Internet Platforms for Violations of Protest Song Ban

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, has announced that his administration will closely monitor for any violations of a court order banning the popular protest song, “Glory to Hong Kong.” This decision comes after YouTube blocked access to 32 videos of the tune in the city, in compliance with the injunction.

The ban specifically targets individuals who distribute or broadcast the song to advocate for Hong Kong’s separation from China, as well as those who misrepresent it as the national anthem with the intent to insult. Critics have raised concerns about the impact of this ban on freedom of expression and internet freedom in the city, as well as its potential to disrupt the operations of tech giants and undermine Hong Kong’s status as a global financial hub.

Despite the court order, the song remains available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, raising questions about whether Google, Spotify, and Apple will also block access to the song for Hong Kong viewers. So far, these tech companies have not commented on the matter.

“Glory to Hong Kong” gained popularity during the 2019 anti-government protests and is considered the anthem of the movement. The crackdown that followed the protests has silenced dissenting voices in the city, making the song a symbol of resistance for many Hong Kongers.

As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches to see how the tech giants and the Hong Kong government will navigate this complex issue of censorship and freedom of expression.