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A court in Hong Kong has approved a government request to prohibit a popular pro-democracy anthem, escalating concerns about freedom of speech in the region. This ruling, which reverses an earlier decision, might enable the government to pressure Google and other tech companies to limit online access to the song in Hong Kong. Formerly a flashpoint for democracy protests and a subject of contention from authorities who saw it as disrespecting China’s national anthem, the song “Glory to Hong Kong” is now at the center of this case. This ban adds to the apprehension about the city’s standing as a link to China amidst increasing censorship.
The ruling comes as Beijing continues to impose tighter control on the city through a national security law that has effectively suppressed dissent. Citizens found guilty of sharing seditious content online have been incarcerated. National security and the dignity of the national anthem were cited by China’s foreign ministry as reasons for the verdict.
The decision puts companies like Google, which had refused a public request by the government to remove the song in December 2022, in a difficult position. They could be compelled to make the song unavailable in Hong Kong and even prevent “Glory to Hong Kong” videos from appearing in search results. Critics say the court’s justification of the ban as a measure against a threat to national security lacks credible evidence and is too restrictive. Despite increased censorship requests from Hong Kong authorities, the city’s internet remains mostly free of government control, unlike in mainland China.
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