A Hong Kong protest song was taken off streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify around the world on Friday, with the distributor citing the city’s recent ban on the song.
“Glory to Hong Kong”, an anthem that emerged during the city’s 2019 pro-democracy protests, was banned this month when judges ruled that it had become a “weapon” to incite unrest.
The case has been closely watched for how it would affect tech firms and internet platform operators, with concerns raised over the free flow of information and free expression in Hong Kong.
Digital music distributor EmuBands said it had removed the song globally from platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, Facebook and Instagram.
“It was our decision to remove the song and yes, this is because of the court order,” managing director Ally Gray of the Scotland-based company told AFP.
“We understand that this is a very complex and sensitive case,” Gray said.
“We are not experts in the issues involved and would not wish to insult anyone’s intelligence by pretending that we are.”
The song’s creator, known by the moniker DGX Music, said on Friday they opposed its removal and “hope to have the song reinstated as soon as possible”.
“The injunction does not have extraterritorial jurisdiction. More importantly, the song itself is not banned,” DGX Music said in a statement.
Hong Kong’s appeal court banned a range of acts this month that included performing and broadcasting “Glory to Hong Kong” with criminal intent.
YouTube, part of the Alphabet digital empire that includes Google, confirmed that it had blocked access to some videos of the song from Hong Kong users.
However, some of the YouTube videos deemed problematic by judges were still accessible outside the city.
Hong Kong leader John Lee said this week that officials will continue to monitor internet platforms for any non-compliance.
Lee’s administration sought a court order last year after the song was erroneously played at international sporting events as Hong Kong’s official anthem, instead of China’s “March of the Volunteers”.
The United States has slammed the ban as a blow to Hong Kong’s international reputation. Beijing authorities defended the ban as a “necessary measure” to safeguard national security.
Type of Story: News Service
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