Keeping an Eye on Online Platforms: Hong Kong’s Ban on Protest Songs

Hong Kong has been making waves yet again, but this time it’s not on the streets but rather online. The popular protest song, “Glory to Hong Kong,” has been at the center of a contentious legal battle, resulting in YouTube blocking access to dozens of videos of the tune in the city. The ban, imposed under a court order, is targeting individuals who advocate for the city’s separation from China by broadcasting or distributing the anthem that became a symbol of the 2019 anti-government protests.

Chief Executive John Lee recently affirmed that his administration would be vigilant in monitoring any non-compliance with the court order. Any instances of defiance would prompt the government to notify relevant internet platforms about the content covered by the injunction. The move has sparked concerns about a potential erosion of freedom of expression and internet freedom in the city, raising questions about the limits on dissenting voices in the digital realm.

Despite the government’s efforts to curb access to the song, it remains available on Spotify, Apple Music, and, interestingly, a quick search on YouTube reveals that the anthem can still be found. This raises the question of whether tech giants will take more drastic measures to comply with the court order and block access to additional video or audio clips of the anthem for viewers in Hong Kong.

“Glory to Hong Kong” holds a significant place in the hearts of many as the unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy movement. However, its usage has not been without controversy, especially when mistakenly played at international sporting events in lieu of China’s national anthem, “March of the Volunteers,” resulting in the ire of city officials.

The government’s push for the display of China’s national anthem as the top search result for the city’s anthem on Google last year was met with resistance, leading to the court intervention. The battle over the anthem underscores the ongoing struggle for autonomy and free expression in Hong Kong, reflecting the broader tensions between the city’s unique identity and Beijing’s tightening grip.

As the digital landscape becomes increasingly regulated, the case of “Glory to Hong Kong” serves as a poignant reminder of the power dynamics at play in the city’s quest for autonomy and the challenges faced by those seeking to uphold freedom of expression in a rapidly changing world. The road ahead remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the fight for Hong Kong’s voice to be heard is far from over.