Netflix’s Hong Kong channel is currently still showing “Band in China,” an episode of the cartoon series “South Park.”

Her comments have added to concerns China’s “Great Firewall” sprawling internet and news censorship regime could be extended to Hong Kong.Ĭontent that satirizes China is still available on other streaming platforms in Hong Kong. Last week, Hong Kong’s Beijing appointed leader, Carrie Lam, vowed to “proactively plug loopholes” in the city’s internet and introduce “fake news” regulations. But authorities are currently transforming the city in the wake of huge and often violent democracy protests two years ago.Īmong the slew of measures are new censorship laws introduce this summer that forbid any broadcasts which might breach a broad national security law that China imposed on the city last year.Ĭensors have since ordered directors to make cuts and refused permission for some films to be shown to the public.

Until recently Hong Kong boasted significant artistic and political freedoms compared to the mainland. When Disney+’s Hong Kong channel was checked on Monday, episodes 11 and 13 of season 16 were available but not 12. The entertainment giant has not responded to requests for comment, nor has Hong Kong’s government.

It is not clear whether Disney+ removed the episode or was ordered to by authorities. In the cartoon there is a sign in the square that reads “On this site, in 1989, nothing happened,” a satirical nod to China’s campaign to purge memories of what occurred at the site. The Hong Kong version started streaming earlier this month and eagle-eyed customers soon noticed that an episode featuring China was conspicuously absent.Įpisode 12 of season 16, which first aired in 2005, features the family going to China to try and adopt a baby.ĭuring the episode they visit Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the site of a deadly 1989 crackdown against democracy protesters.

Disney+ has made rapid advances since it was launched 18 months ago reaching more than 116 million worldwide subscribers.

The simpsons season 30 episode guide