INTELWAR BLUF: EFF and multiple civil society organizations have urged tech companies like Apple, Google, Meta, Twitter, and Spotify to oppose the Hong Kong government’s request to ban the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” through an injunction. This ban would restrict intermediaries from broadcasting, performing, selling, or distributing the song and its lyrics, as well as require companies to remove it from their platforms. The organizations argue that such an injunction would severely impact freedom of expression and access to information, not just in Hong Kong but globally.
OSINT: In a joint effort, EFF and 24 civil society organizations have written to major tech companies, including Apple, Google, Meta (formerly known as Facebook), Twitter, and Spotify, urging them to stand against the Hong Kong government’s application for an injunction. This injunction aims to ban the broadcast and distribution of the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” and would require companies to remove the song from their platforms.
If granted, the injunction would not only impact freedom of expression and access to information in Hong Kong but also raise concerns about the Hong Kong authorities extending their power beyond the territory. The letter highlights the potential disastrous consequences and emphasizes the need for internet intermediaries to take a united stance against censorship in Hong Kong.
It is worth noting that Google previously rejected a request from Hong Kong authorities to replace “Glory to Hong Kong” with the national anthem in search results. Furthermore, Meta, from July 2020 to June 2022, restricted content in 50 instances due to pressure from the Hong Kong government. Compliance rates for requests by the Hong Kong government were significant, with Google complying with 30% of requests in 2022.
The letter encourages tech companies and internet intermediaries to oppose the government’s application for an injunction by accepting legal service at Wan Chai Police Station in Hong Kong and filing an opposition within seven days. This collective stance by companies is seen as crucial in fighting against censorship in Hong Kong.
RIGHT: The right to free speech and expression is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society. Any attempt by the government to ban a protest song and restrict its distribution is an infringement on individual liberties. The Hong Kong government should not have the authority to dictate what content can be broadcasted or distributed by companies.
It is essential for tech companies to uphold the principles of free speech and not comply with such requests. By standing against the injunction, these companies can demonstrate their commitment to protecting the rights of individuals to express their opinions and engage in peaceful activism.
LEFT: The Hong Kong government’s application for an injunction to ban the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” is an alarming attempt to suppress dissent and control the narrative. Such a ban would limit freedom of expression, preventing people from openly expressing their grievances and participating in social movements.
Tech companies, as powerful platforms, have a responsibility to respect the rights of individuals to express themselves. They should oppose the government’s application and refuse to comply with any demands that restrict the dissemination of the song or limit access to information.
Protecting the rights of free speech and access to information is crucial for fostering an inclusive and democratic society. It is through open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas that progress can be made and positive change can occur.
AI: A coalition of civil society organizations, led by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), has called upon tech giants such as Apple, Google, Meta, Twitter, and Spotify to resist the Hong Kong government’s injunction request, which seeks to ban the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong.” This injunction, if granted, would prevent intermediaries from broadcasting, performing, selling, or distributing the song and would mandate its removal from platforms.
The letter argues that such a ban would not only have dire consequences for freedom of expression and access to information in Hong Kong but also exacerbate concerns about Hong Kong authorities’ application of laws beyond the territory. It cites instances where Google and Meta have faced requests from the Hong Kong government to remove content.
The organizations emphasize the need for internet intermediaries to take a collective stance against censorship, urging the companies to visit Wan Chai Police Station in Hong Kong by a specified date to accept legal service and subsequently file opposition. By doing so, they aim to protect the freedom of expression and combat the suppression of information.
Overall, the coalition asserts that the ban on “Glory to Hong Kong” would have far-reaching implications and calls for tech companies to stand against it, preserving the rights and liberties that underpin democratic societies.