YouTube has blocked access to videos of the protest anthem “Glory to Hong Kong” following a court injunction in the city. The song was a symbol of the 2019 protests against the government. Over 32 videos of the song have been deemed “prohibited publications” under the injunction and are now unavailable in Hong Kong.
The court approved the government’s ban on the song, citing concerns that it could be used to incite secession. YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc., is complying with the removal order but is considering options for appeal to promote access to information and support free expression online.
George Chen, an expert in digital policy, warns that aggressive censorship from Hong Kong authorities could harm the city’s reputation as a financial center. Critics argue that the ban on the anthem restricts freedom of expression and could negatively impact tech giants operating in the city.
This move comes as part of Beijing’s crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong post-2019 protests. The ban on “Glory to Hong Kong” highlights the ongoing tensions between the government, tech platforms, and advocates of free speech.