YouTube said this would comply with an order blocking access to videos of Hong Kong’s protest anthem in the region, according to The Guardian. The platform’s decision comes after an appeals court barred it protest song “Glory to Hong Kong,” which the largely Chinese-controlled government has (predictably) framed as a national security threat.
Alphabet, YouTube and Google’s parent company followed their familiar game of legally complying with court orders undermining human rights while issuing statements advocating for them. “We’re disappointed by the court’s decision, but we’re complying with its takedown order,” YouTube’s statement on The Guardian said. “We will continue to consider our appeal options to encourage access to information.”
Alphabet reportedly said at the exit that the block would take effect immediately in the region. He added that he shared the concerns of human rights groups that it could deal a blow to online freedoms.
YouTube has announced that video links will eventually no longer be visible on Google Search in Hong Kong. I tried using a Hong Kong-based VPN server while in the US and the videos were still viewable on Thursday morning. However, The Guardian said that attempts to view from the region showed the message “This content is not available in this country’s domain due to a court order.”
https://www.engadget.com/youtube-reportedly-agrees-to-block-videos-of-hong-kongs-protest-song-inside-the-region-174245129.html?src=rss
