YouTube blocks Hong Kong protest anthem videos after court order

By Jeffrey Dastin

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California (Reuters) – Alphabet's YouTube said on Tuesday it will comply with a court order in Hong Kong and block access to 32 video links deemed prohibited content.

The lawsuit follows a government application, approved by the Hong Kong Court of Appeal, calling for a protest anthem called “Glory to Hong Kong” to be banned.

In comments criticizing the court order, YouTube said the ruling would raise skepticism about the Hong Kong government's work to promote the digital economy and restore its reputation as a predictable business location.

“We are disappointed with the court’s decision but are complying with its removal order,” YouTube said in a statement. “We will continue to explore our options for an appeal to promote access to information.”

A spokesman for YouTube, part of Mountain View-based Alphabet, said geo-blocking of videos would take effect immediately for viewers in Hong Kong after an injunction was issued classifying the content as “prohibited publications.”

At some point, links to the videos will no longer appear in Google searches in Hong Kong as the company's systems process the changes, YouTube said.

The company said it shared human rights groups' concerns that the content ban could harm free expression online.

(Reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in Mountain View, Calif.; Editing by Chris Reese)