YouTube, owned by Alphabet, announced on Tuesday it will comply with a Hong Kong court order to block access to 32 video links, including those featuring the protest anthem “Glory to Hong Kong.” The decision follows a government application granted by the Court of Appeal, which deemed the content as potentially inciting secession. Critics view this move as a significant blow to the freedoms in Hong Kong, especially amid ongoing security crackdowns. YouTube expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, aligning with human rights groups’ concerns about the potential chilling effect on free expression online.
The ban on the anthem, which gained prominence during the 2019 pro-democracy protests, underscores the increasing influence of geopolitical conflicts on digital platforms. Observers, including the U.S. government, argue that this action could further damage Hong Kong’s reputation as an international financial hub committed to the free flow of information. Industry experts warn that the aggressive removal of online content could deter global investors and challenge Hong Kong’s status as a predictable and stable business environment.
The Hong Kong government has yet to comment on the court order. Historically, this is not the first instance where U.S. tech companies have complied with local laws to restrict content, as seen in mainland China. The spokesperson for YouTube stated that geoblocking of the videos would take immediate effect in Hong Kong. Eventually, these videos will also be removed from Google Search in the region. This development is part of a broader trend of increasing control over digital content in Hong Kong, raising concerns about the preservation of freedoms promised under the “one country, two systems” agreement when the territory returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
