Alphabet’s YouTube has stated that it will comply with a court decision to block access to 32 video links in Hong Kong. The ban is a response to a government application granted by Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal, which requested the censorship of a protest anthem titled ‘Glory to Hong Kong.’ Critics argue that this decision poses a threat to freedoms in the financial hub and raises concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong’s international reputation as a stable and predictable place for doing business.
The court ruling has drawn criticism, with YouTube stating that it dampens skepticism around the Hong Kong government’s efforts to foster the digital economy and reclaim its standing as a reliable destination for business. The video-sharing platform expressed disappointment in the court’s decision but confirmed it would comply with the removal order. YouTube emphasized its commitment to considering options for an appeal and promoting access to information.
Observers, including the US government, believe that the ban will further undermine Hong Kong’s international reputation as a financial hub. It has raised concerns about the erosion of freedoms and the city’s commitment to the free flow of information. Industry groups, such as the Asia Internet Coalition, representing major tech firms like Meta, Apple, and Google, argue that preserving a free and open internet in Hong Kong is vital to maintain the city’s competitive edge.
George Chen, co-chair of digital practice at the Asia Group, expressed concern about the extent to which the Hong Kong government intends to enforce such bans. He warned that overwhelming platforms with multiple takedown requests daily could harm Hong Kong’s free market environment and raise doubts among global investors about the city’s stability and predictability. A prompt response from the Hong Kong government regarding this matter is yet to be received.
While YouTube and its parent company, Alphabet, have restricted content when legally required to do so, this action in Hong Kong is not unprecedented for the US technology sector or Alphabet, as they have previously removed content in China. YouTube confirmed that the geoblocking of the videos would be effective immediately for viewers in Hong Kong. As Google’s systems process the changes, the videos’ links will gradually disappear from Google Search in Hong Kong. Attempting to access the protest anthem on YouTube from Hong Kong currently displays a message indicating the unavailability of content due to a court order.
Notably, Hong Kong does not have an official anthem. ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ emerged as an unofficial alternative anthem during the pro-democracy protests in 2019. In recent years, the US government has imposed sanctions on Hong Kong officials due to their implementation of a national security crackdown, resulting in the imprisonment of numerous opposition democrats and the closure of liberal media outlets and civil society organizations.
Since returning to Chinese rule in 1997 with the ‘one country, two systems’ formula, Hong Kong has been guaranteed the preservation of its freedoms. However, Chinese authorities argue that banning the spread of the protest anthem is necessary to safeguard national security.
