The popular protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” is being removed from all platforms due to a court ban in the city. The distributor of the song, Dgxmusic, has decided to remove it from iTunes and Apple Music in various regions as well as from Spotify in Hong Kong. An appeals court granted the government’s request to ban the distribution of the song, which advocates for Hong Kong’s separation from China. EmuBands, the distributor based in Britain, has not commented on the decision.
Critics are concerned about the ban’s impact on freedom of expression and internet freedom in Hong Kong. They fear that it may also disrupt the operation of tech giants and undermine the city’s appeal as a global financial hub. Last week, YouTube blocked access to 32 videos of the song that were considered “prohibited publications” under the injunction for viewers in the city. The tech company expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and said it would continue to explore its options.
“Glory to Hong Kong” has been seen as the anthem of the 2019 protest movement in Hong Kong, which led to a government crackdown on dissenting voices in the city. The song being inadvertently played as the city’s official anthem at international sporting events, instead of China’s national anthem, has also angered city officials. The government took Google to court last year after the tech company resisted pressure to display China’s national anthem as the top result in searches for the city’s anthem, instead of the protest song.
The decision to ban the protest song has sparked concerns about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong. The city has been a hotbed of political unrest in recent years, with protests against Chinese influence and calls for greater autonomy. The ban on “Glory to Hong Kong” is seen as a further crackdown on dissent in the city, which has already faced significant challenges to its autonomy and freedoms. The move has also raised questions about the role of tech companies in upholding freedom of expression in regions where it is under threat.
The ban on “Glory to Hong Kong” comes amidst broader concerns about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong. The city has faced increased pressure from Beijing in recent years, leading to a crackdown on dissent and protests. The decision to remove the protest song from all platforms highlights the challenges facing those advocating for greater autonomy and democratic freedoms in Hong Kong. It has also sparked debate over the role of tech companies in upholding freedom of expression in regions where it is under threat.
The ban on “Glory to Hong Kong” has stirred controversy and debate in Hong Kong and beyond. It has highlighted the challenges facing those who seek to preserve the city’s autonomy and freedoms in the face of increasing pressure from Beijing. The decision to remove the protest song from all platforms has raised concerns about the erosion of freedoms in the city and the role of tech companies in upholding freedom of expression. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the ongoing struggle for greater autonomy and democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.
