O Google faces an embarrassing situation in Hong Kong, where local authorities are seeking to censor a widely known pro-democracy anthem. This high-stakes dispute has sparked speculation that the US tech giant could pull out of the local market altogether.
The Hong Kong Department of Justice is seeking a court order to ban companies websites, including Google, to broadcast or distribute the protest song entitled “Glory to Hong Kong". Along with this problem, the government requested the removal of 32 videos related to the anthem on YouTube.
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Hong Kong's most aggressive attempt to censor political content on US-run tech platforms comes with the injunction request. In 2020, the Chinese Communist Party passed a national security law, granting sweeping powers to crack down on dissent.
Google considers leaving Hong Kong after government injunction
The possibility of a full withdrawal of Google from Hong Kong in the near future is becoming increasingly real, according to Xiaomeng Lu, head of Google's geotechnology practice.
Eurasia Group, consulting firm.She points out that the ongoing legal dispute follows a similar pattern to the one that led Google to withdraw its search engine from mainland China in 2010. This situation poses a significant challenge for the technology company, which is facing pressure to balance its global presence with local requirements and constraints.
According to the specialist, the outcome may be similar to that which occurred in mainland China in 2010 and may also occur in Hong Kong.
According to Lu, although it may take some time, it is very likely that Google will completely withdraw from the market. She pointed out that this outcome could happen in a few months, a year or even a few years, but she doesn't believe it will take that long.
The hearing scheduled by the Hong Kong Supreme Court on July 21 to consider the government's request to banning the broadcast and distribution of the song “Glory to Hong Kong” could further weaken the permanence of the Google.
Pro-Beijing officials have already criticized the company for allowing the song to appear in search results.
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