The Epoch Times’ investigate reporter Nan Su discusses the takedown, wondering if Apple should have acted so quickly to appease Hong Kong government.
It appears that Hong Kong recently acted on an act of censorship – and Apple relented rather than facing any punishment from the country.
Per this report from The Epoch Times, the Department of Justice (DOJ) for Hong Kong recently applied for an injunction that would stop the dissemination of a pro-democratic song titled “Glory To Hong Kong.” Just days later, it was about to receive a hearing – until Apple decided to act in its own favor, taking down multiple versions of the song.
Before that time, “Glory to Hong Kong,” put together by the composing team DGXMUSIC, was occupying eight spots on the iTunes popular music chart in the country, with different versions also joining the fray.
The song originated back in 2019, serving as a message for an anti-extradition bill movement. It has since become a hot item, not only with iTunes purchases but also searches for Hong Kong’s national anthem. The searches had become so popular that they overshadowed ones for China’s national anthem – which is probably what forced the DOJ for Hong Kong to step in.
Hong Kong had previously asked for Google to replace the song’s organic search with China’s national anthem, but they refused. That said, it appears Apple had no problem giving in to the justice department, in an effort to keep selling its products within the country.
With us now to discuss this further is Nan Su, an investigative reporter for The Epoch Times. He specializes in all things Chinese, so his expertise will certainly be welcome in this matter.
Q&A:
- What factors do you believe led to Apple’s compliance with Hong Kong’s request, especially compared to Google’s refusal?
- What does this situation imply about the power balance between tech corporations and governments, specifically Hong Kong and China?
- How does the public perception of the song “Glory To Hong Kong” factor into this controversy? Is it the song itself, or its symbolization of Hong Kong’s autonomy that is causing the issue?
- Will Hong Kong’s DOJ continue to pursue the removal of the song from other platforms, and what might the implications be?
- Is this event indicative of escalating censorship in Hong Kong, or is it more a case of political business as usual?
- The government asserts that the song is an “insult to the national anthem.” What’s your take on this claim?
- Speaking of what’s going on overseas, you recently contributed to a new Epoch Times documentary called The Final War. Tell us more about it and why it’s such a compelling subject with everything that’s happening right now.
- Where can we learn more about you and see your work over on The Epoch Times?
You can visit our official website at http://www.theepochtimes.com. There are also various documentaries available over on Epoch TV.
About Nan Su:
Nan Su is a senior investigative reporter for the Epoch Times, with an eye and focus on Chinese politics and government deception. Nan is highly knowledgeable in a variety of subjects, including the Coronavirus and all things happening overseas. His reports have run on The Epoch Times for some time now and gained a following based on his expertise in delivering thorough results.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
