A Hong Kong court on Friday declined to the government’s request to ban the popular song “Glory to Hong Kong,” in a surprise decision that will come as a relief to many citizens in the city — and to global tech companies like Apple, Google and Meta.
The injunction would have posed significant challenges for tech companies, forcing them to stop the distribution of the song on platforms like Facebook, YouTube and iTunes, or be in violation of local law.
Local rights activists feared the ban was a given, considering China’s ever tighter grip on the territory, warning it would allow Beijing to influence freedom of information for internet users everywhere.But High Court Judge Anthony Chan on Friday ruled that granting the injunction would have “chilling effects.”
“Innocent people might be discouraged from legitimate activities involving the Song for fear of the severe consequences,” heApple, Google and Meta did not respond to requests for comment on the decision, or after the judge heard submissions the week before. Hong Kong’s city government last month asked the court to prohibit the broadcast or distribution of the song, contending it contains a slogan that advocates secession — a crime under theThe law significantly restricted free expression and criminalized activities seen as advocating for Hong Kong’s independence or subverting state power.
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