Govt to request internet platform operators remove banned protest song: Paul Lam

The justice chief said the government would communicate with the internet platform operators and request that the banned protest anthem be removed from search results and video platforms.

The Court of Appeal granted the government's request to ban "Glory to Hong Kong" on Wednesday after overturning an earlier ruling from a lower court.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok welcomed the judgment and stated that authorities would contact internet platform operators to remove relevant content in accordance with the injunction order.

"The effect is to persuade the internet service providers not to provide the convenience and not to facilitate the commission of unlawful acts," he told reporters.

Lam added that some of the operators indicated earlier that they were ready to accede to the SAR government's request if there was a court order, and he believed the platforms would agree to do so according to Wednesday's judgment.

He also stressed that the injunction would not hinder normal academic and news activities as the order contained exceptions for such situations.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also welcomed the ruling, saying the injunction “effectively safeguards national security and the dignity of the national anthem, and it only targets unlawful acts with criminal intent.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing that "preventing anyone from using or disseminating the relevant song... is a legitimate and necessary measure by (Hong Kong) to fulfil its responsibility of safeguarding national security."

In response, a group of global tech giants including Apple, Google, and X said Wednesday an open internet was "fundamental" for Hong Kong to become an international hub.

"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, the managing director of the Asia Internet Coalition, adding that they were "assessing the implications" of the court's decision.

(Staff reporter, AFP and Reuters)
(Updated at 8.49 pm)

Read more: Court of Appeal rules in favor of government request to ban protest song