YouTube blocks protest song

YouTube has blocked 32 videos related to the protest song Glory to Hong Kong locally, after the High Court granted the government an interim injunction to ban it, even as the video-streaming giant expressed disappointment with the verdict.

A spokesman said after completing the process the song's link will no longer appear on Google search results in Hong Kong.

Google-owned YouTube expressed disappointment with the court decision, saying the ruling will raise skepticism around the Hong Kong administration's efforts to foster a digital economy and restore its business reputation.

"We are disappointed by the court's decision but are complying with its removal order," YouTube said after it blocked access to 32 video links deemed related to the protest anthem.

"We'll continue to consider our options for an appeal, to promote access to information."

The Asian Internet Coalition of giants such as Google, Meta and X, did not comment on the actions of individual members, noting that it is evaluating the impact of the injunction to businesses.

It reiterated that "a free and open internet is the foundation of Hong Kong's determination to become an international innovation center."

Executive Council member Ronny Tong Ka-wah said taking down the song by YouTube showed respect of Hong Kong's rule of law.

As to whether YouTube needs to take down the relevant songs from its platforms in other regions, Tong believes it depends on the company's commitment to social responsibility.

"Although the injunction does not cover the whole world, if the company makes profits and operates in Hong Kong, it should respect the laws of Hong Kong."

But he dismissed YouTube's criticism that the court ruling called into question the administration's promotion of the digital economy, saying the allegation was unsubstantiated and that the court was addressing acts that jeopardized national security.

Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pei-fan of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong urged authorities to ask all online platforms to remove the song globally in accordance with the court's injunction, as it "advocates Hong Kong independence and violent protests."

She also said YouTube's claim that the ruling will affect Hong Kong's reputation is absurd, as the injunction "clearly draws a red line."

When searching for keywords "Hong Kong" and "national anthem," the top result was the correct national anthem information by the Mainland and Constitutional Affairs Bureau, followed by Glory to Hong Kong.

However, some videos containing the song which are not subject to the injunction are still available.

Barrister and lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun said if similar videos continue to be uploaded, the administrators may order them to be removed or banned from viewing by Hong Kong users in accordance with the injunction.

She suggested that YouTube should not file an appeal in the hope that the case would come to an end.

While welcoming the action taken by YouTube, lawmaker Doreen Kong Yuk-foon said the administration's approach was sufficient and conveys a clear message. Kong believes that other internet service providers would understand the court ruling and would not wish to engage in litigation.

She expects other internet service providers to exercise self-discipline in dealing with the issue.

Kong questioned the necessity of filing an appeal, citing the importance of protecting the national anthem.

"This case is a matter of national dignity, and YouTube should not continue to complicate the matter as banning those videos will not affect its business."

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com