Hong Kong’s state-sponsored search engine optimization on nationwide anthem strikes the suitable observe

Hong Kong’s efforts to enhance the accuracy of Google search outcomes for its nationwide anthem have yielded some affirmative outcomes, in line with an official from the Particular Administrative Area of China.

“It ought to be stated that colleagues from the Workplace of the Authorities Chief Data Officer (OGCIO) have accomplished quite a lot of work over the previous interval, and thru this internet SEO work, we imagine that some web sites that may mirror the right data have improved considerably of their rankings,” declared Professor Solar Dong, secretary for Innovation, Expertise and Trade, on a Sunday radio program.

The track that’s generally mistaken for the nationwide anthem is a Cantonese language protest track titled “Glory to Hong Kong” – launched in August 2019 throughout protests in opposition to a regulation that allowed extradition of Hong Kong residents to China.

The track, which champions independence from China, is commonly sung at demonstrations alongside the Les Misérables revolution-themed basic “Do You Hear the Folks Sing?”

In style it could be, however it’s not Hong Kong’s nationwide anthem. China’s “One nation, two methods” scheme means Hong Kong has its personal type of authorities however is a part of the Center Kingdom. Whereas the territory has its personal flag, it does not get its personal tune.

In keeping with Solar, the federal government has been working with Google to appropriate the matter since November 2022.

Google has denied requests to expunge information about “Glory to Hong Kong” and rank China’s nationwide anthem as the highest response to queries for Hong Kong’s nationwide ditty, on grounds that its search outcomes are primarily based on absolutely automated algorithms. Google maintains it solely removes content material thought-about unlawful.

On Monday, Solar stated that by persevering with to place misinformation on-line, Google is appearing opposite to its personal coverage.

“Our view is that Google, as an internationally famend internet search supplier, ought to fulfil its company duty to make sure that it offers its customers with the suitable internet data,” stated Solar, who added that he hopes Google can meet the SAR authorities “midway.”

The feedback relating to the nationwide anthem have been offered in Chinese language on the territory’s authorities web site. Nonetheless, commentary from the radio program on Hong Kong’s intent to grow to be a knowledge hub was offered individually in English.

Solar stated the federal government had “accomplished quite a lot of work” to draw information from each Mainland China and abroad, whereas enhancing infrastructure, and was contemplating the event of an AI supercomputing heart.

“Final week, we’ve signed an settlement with the MOST – the Ministry of Science and Expertise. Particularly, we talked about how one can deepen the R&D co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong,” stated Solar. Additionally on the agenda was sharing IT assets for science and know-how improvement, know-how switch, manpower trade.

Solar stated the federal government needed to strengthen each the “internationalization” of Hong Kong and coordination between high stage Hong Kong and Mainland authorities. ®