Anger as Google rejects HK anthem request

Google has rejected Hong Kong's request to pin the correct anthem of the SAR on the top search results page, and Security Secretary Chris Tang called Google's move "unacceptable and unbelievable."

Tang also vowed the authorities "will use every means to correct the mistake."

The SAR government last month requested the search engine to put the correct national anthem, March of the Volunteers, on the top of the results page when users search with relevant keywords.

The move came after the blunder on November 13 when Glory to Hong Kong, a song associated with the 2019 anti-government protests, was played instead of the Chinese national anthem, March of the Volunteers, at a rugby match in Incheon, South Korea.

The protest theme song is shown on the top of the results page when people search "national anthem of Hong Kong."

The song was played as Hong Kong's national anthem again two weeks later at the Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship in Dubai. Gold medalist Susanna Lin made a "T" sign with her hands after 15 seconds to signal the organizer to stop playing.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Tang said Google replied that it could not control the search results due to the algorithm, so it rejected SAR authorities' request. "The only Hong Kong national anthem is March of the Volunteers and it's wrong for anyone who tries to mix it with other songs," Tang said. He criticized Google for hurting Hongkongers' feelings and showing double standards as it had complied with the Court of Justice of the European Union's decision to remove inaccurate search results in the past.

"It is generally known that you can put whatever information you want people to see in a higher position as long as you pay Google for advertisement, and Google's response is outrageous." Tang said Google owes Hong Kong people an explanation, and the authority will use whatever means to correct the problem.

Francis Fong Po-kiu, honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, said if Google refused the request and the government was unwilling to pay for an advertisement, the direct solution would be to sue Google.

DAB lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pui-fan said earlier any business operating in Hong Kong must comply with national security law and Google must not challenge one country, two systems. Quat suggested the police should step up online patrols. But she said there was less possibility for the government to ban the search engine, since the purpose was "to ask Google not to show Hong Kong independence-related contents."

Tang also said investigations into the mix-ups showed no evidence that Hong Kong athletes and related staff were involved.

Tang added that recent demonstrations in Hong Kong had subsided after his warning that they were "showing signs of a color revolution," which he considered as "a successful example of fighting against endangering national security" for the Hong Kong public.

He said he had the responsibility to remind the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong managements that the campuses should not become "the base of actions that endanger national security."

"I also have to come out to warn people who try to cause social unrest in Hong Kong, you will fail because we'll make every effort to interdict such actions."

No arrests have been made for protests, but officers will search for evidence of illegal behavior and take follow-up action when necessary, Tang said.