A Hong Kong judge is set to determine whether major tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Meta, should be compelled to block access to the unofficial anthem of the pro-democracy movement. If the judge grants the government’s request, it would signal a shift towards a more controlled environment resembling China rather than the previously freer Hong Kong. Free speech advocates express concern over the further erosion of freedoms in the territory, which was meant to have some degree of autonomy from Beijing. The government’s push to block the distribution and performance of the popular song “Glory to Hong Kong” is seen as a form of political oppression and an attempt to limit expressions of political opinion. The court’s ruling, to be delivered on July 28, will determine whether people will be banned from singing or even producing the lyrics or melody of the song. Additionally, global tech companies will face a dilemma between defending free speech and complying with the court order. The potential injunction could require platforms like Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple to remove the song from their platforms, aligning with China’s censorship efforts. The case has drawn attention from human rights organizations, with many urging tech companies to oppose the injunction. If upheld, the injunction would bring about significant changes to Hong Kong’s digital environment and how global tech firms operate in the territory.
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