YouTube has recently announced it will block access to 32 video links deemed prohibited content within Hong Kong, according to a report by The Guardian.
YouTube Blocks Videos with "Glory to Hong Kong"
This decision follows a court ruling in Hong Kong, responding to a government request to ban the protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong." The court suggested that the anthem could be used by protestors to incite secession against the state.
YouTube's spokesperson told The Guardian that this geoblocking measure would be implemented immediately for viewers in Hong Kong. As a result, once the system is updated, these videos will disappear from Google Search results in Hong Kong.
Users trying to access the content in Hong Kong are now greeted with a message stating that the content is unavailable because of a court order.
The Chinese foreign ministry supported this action, stating that halting the spread of the anthem was crucial to protect national security in Hong Kong. However, this move has drawn criticism, with some arguing that it undermines freedoms in the city, which has been under increasing security measures.
YouTube's Response to the Court Decision
YouTube expressed disappointment over the court's decision but stated its compliance with the removal order. The platform acknowledged the concerns of human rights groups, who fear that such content bans could suppress free expression online. YouTube also indicated that it would continue to explore options for an appeal to maintain access to information.
The US government and other critics contend that the ban could tarnish Hong Kong's global financial reputation and intensify fears about diminishing freedoms and the commitment to free information flow.
Industry groups, such as the Asia Internet Coalition, emphasized that maintaining a free and open internet in Hong Kong is essential for the city's competitive edge. These groups represent major tech firms like Meta, Apple, and Google.
The Guardian notes that this action is not unprecedented for Alphabet. The company has previously restricted content when legally required, including in China. Google withdrew its search engine from mainland China in 2010, where YouTube remains inaccessible.
Hong Kong does not have an official anthem, but "Glory to Hong Kong" emerged as an unofficial anthem during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. The song became a symbol of the movement, offering an alternative to China's national anthem, "March of the Volunteers."
The Hong Kong government has been criticized and sanctioned by the US government due to its national security measures in the past few years, which have resulted in the imprisonment of opposition democrats and the closure of liberal media outlets and civil society organizations.
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