YouTube Blocks Hong Kong's Protest Anthem Following Court Order

YouTube's compliance with a recent court order to block access to the popular protest song "Glory to Hong Kong" has ignited concerns regarding freedom of expression in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

Confirming the action on Wednesday, YouTube disclosed that 32 web links featuring the anthem had been geoblocked in Hong Kong following the court's decision. Attempts to access the videos, which included instrumental and sign language versions of the song, from within Hong Kong now yield messages stating that the content is unavailable due to a court order.

"We are disappointed by the Court's decision but are complying with its removal order by blocking access to the listed videos for viewers in Hong Kong. We'll continue to consider our options for an appeal, to promote access to information," stated a YouTube spokesperson in response to CNN's inquiries.

Google, YouTube's parent company, had previously indicated that it was "reviewing the court's judgment."

"Glory to Hong Kong," composed by a musician under a pseudonym in August 2019, swiftly became the unofficial anthem of the pro-democracy protests. However, authorities have viewed the song's lyrics, particularly the phrase "liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times," as carrying separatist undertones, leading to its outlawing in 2020.

The Hong Kong government and courts argue that the phrase connotes secessionist and subversive elements, justifying the injunction against the song's distribution.

CNN reached out to Meta, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, as well as Spotify, seeking their perspectives on the matter. The Asia Internet Coalition, which includes Spotify and Meta, stated it is evaluating the decision's implications and its impact on businesses.

"We believe that a free and open internet is fundamental to the city's ambitions to become an international technology and innovation hub," said Jeff Paine, managing director of the group.

"Glory to Hong Kong" has previously been mistakenly played at international sporting events involving Hong Kong teams, sparking criticism from pro-Beijing figures who largely blamed Google's algorithm.

Last June, Hong Kong's Department of Justice sought an injunction against the song's broadcasting or distribution, a move initially rejected but later overturned following an appeal.

Once regarded as a bastion of free speech and creative expression within authoritarian China, Hong Kong's landscape has shifted dramatically following a crackdown on dissent and the imposition of a national security law by Beijing in 2020. This year, a second local security bill, known as Article 23, was passed, targeting seditious acts, espionage, and foreign interference.

The silencing of "Glory to Hong Kong" amid ongoing debates over security and freedom of expression underscores the complex challenges faced by the city's residents.