City’s Crackdown on Political Activities
The city of Hong Kong has intensified its controls on political speech following the anti-government protests that rocked the city in 2019. China’s National Security Law, enacted in 2020, criminalized political activities, leading to the arrest and exile of hundreds of activists, as well as the shutdown of opposition-leaning media outlets.
‘Expats’ TV Show Faces Censorship
‘Expats,’ a TV show based on a book by Hong Kong-born American writer Janice Y.K. Lee and directed by China-born American director Lulu Wang, is now facing censorship in Hong Kong. The first episode of the show features a scene where people at a rally chant in Cantonese, demanding real general elections. The show’s trailer also includes references to the 2014 Umbrella Movement, a protest that called for the right to choose the city’s Chief Executive.
Increasing Control Over Content
This is not the first time that controversial content has faced censorship in Hong Kong. Previously, an episode of the cartoon series The Simpsons was removed from the Disney Plus streaming service due to a reference to “forced labor camps” in China. It remains unclear whether authorities were involved in these decisions or if the companies acted independently.
Change in Film Censorship Ordinance
In June 2021, the Hong Kong government changed the Film Censorship Ordinance, granting them the power to remove films that depict acts or activities endangering national security. The government has not provided any comments on the issue.
Government’s Plans for Local National Security Law
The Hong Kong government has recently announced plans to enact a local version of China’s National Security Law in the city.