The Crimes Ordinance defines “ sedition ” in overbroad terms and provides a low threshold for conviction so long as the court is satisfied that a speech or publication intends to cause “hatred or contempt” against the government, “raise discontent” or “promote feelings of ill-will” among Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong’s draconian National Security Law makes it a criminal offense to advocate secession from China by committing various acts that do not involve “force or threat of force,” including peaceful actions, such as speeches or even songs. The definitions of these actions are overly broad and vague. The injunction, if ordered by the court, would prohibit anyone from “roadcasting, performing, printing, publishing, selling, offering for sale, distributing, disseminating, displaying or reproducing in any way” the song and its lyrics “with the intent of…inciting others to commit secession,” “with a seditious intention,” or “in such a way…as to be likely to be mistaken as the national anthem” of Hong Kong, “suggest that the is an independent state… with intent to insult the national anthem.” The injunction would apply to “any internet-based platform or medium” and their global operations. We urge you to intervene to oppose the injunction, which would have a disastrous impact on the rights to freedom of expression and access to information not only in Hong Kong, but globally. The Hong Kong High Court has summoned all parties to the case to provide their views before the court on July 21, 2023. We are writing to you on behalf of more than 24 civil society organizations regarding a legal injunction being sought by the Hong Kong government that would effectively ban intermediaries from broadcasting or distributing online, including on YouTube, the 2019 protest song, “Glory to Hong Kong.”

Government Seeks Court Order for Global Online Censorshipĭear Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Sundar Puchai, CEO of Alphabet and Google, Linda Yaccarino, CEO of Twitter, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and Chairperson of Meta platforms.

Spotify logo transparent white png