REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationYouTube will comply with Hong Kong's court decision and block access to video links related to a protest anthem in the city. "We are disappointed by the Court's decision but are complying with its removal order," YouTube said in a statement after it blocked access to 32 video links deemed protest anthem in Hong Kong. YouTube said the geoblocking of videos would take effect immediately for viewers in Hong Kong, and the links to the videos will no longer show up on Google Search in the city eventually. Industry groups, including the Asia Internet Coalition, which represents big tech firms like Meta, Apple and Google, have said keeping a free and open internet in Hong Kong is "fundamental" to maintaining the city's edge. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman has said that stopping the song's spread was necessary for Hong Kong to safeguard national security.

Source: The Standard May 15, 2024 10:37 UTC