Hong Kong's Burning Ban Is This Game Too Hot For Beijing?

Article Heading: Hong Kong Bans 'Reversed Front: Bonfire' – A Mobile Game Deemed Seditious

Hong Kong authorities have banned the mobile game 'Reversed Front: Bonfire,' citing concerns that it promotes sedition and secessionism. This move underscores the tightening grip of Beijing on the city and the increasing restrictions on dissent following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

The Hong Kong police issued a stark warning on Tuesday, stating that individuals who download the game "may be regarded as in possession of a publication that has a seditious intention." This announcement has sent ripples through the gaming community and sparked debate about freedom of expression in the region.

What is 'Reversed Front: Bonfire'?

'Reversed Front: Bonfire' allows players to:

• "Pledge allegiance" to various entities, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Tibet, and the Uyghurs.
• Engage in simulated scenarios aimed at "overthrowing the Communist regime."
• Play as communists to fight enemies and support the communist revolution.

The game's website boldly declared it a "work of non-fiction," adding that "any similarity to actual agencies, policies, or ethnic groups of the PRC in this game is intentional."

Potential Penalties Under National Security Law

Authorities have cautioned that Hong Kong residents who download or share 'Reversed Front: Bonfire' may face punishment under the national security laws imposed by Beijing in 2020. Police have also warned against providing financial support to the game's developer, ESC Taiwan.

According to the police statement, "'Reversed Front: Bonfire' was released under the guise of a game with the aim of promoting secessionist agendas such as 'Taiwan independence' and 'Hong Kong independence.' Those who have downloaded the application should uninstall it immediately and must not attempt to defy the law."

Availability and Unintended Consequences

As of Wednesday, the game, initially launched in April, has been removed from both Google Play and Apple's App Store in Hong Kong.
Interestingly, the ban seems to have inadvertently boosted the game's profile. On Wednesday, 'Reversed Front: Bonfire' became the most popular search term on Google among Hong Kong residents.

The game's creators appear to have welcomed the increased attention, stating in a post that the game had been "introduced to the entire Hong Kong" as a direct result of the ban.

Background: The National Security Law and "One Country, Two Systems"

In 2020, China implemented the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong, which critics argue has effectively criminalized dissent. However, Beijing maintains that the law is essential for maintaining stability in the region.

The NSL criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. It was enacted in response to the large-scale pro-democracy protests that erupted in Hong Kong in 2019. Prominent figures like media mogul Jimmy Lai and activist Joshua Wong have been charged or imprisoned under the NSL.

Hong Kong is governed under the "one country, two systems" principle, which guarantees the region a high degree of autonomy and preserves its economic and social systems for 50 years from the date of the handover. However, critics argue that the implementation of the NSL violates this principle, while Beijing and Hong Kong insist that the NSL ensures the "resolute, full and faithful implementation" of "one country, two systems."

This ban on 'Reversed Front: Bonfire' serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression and political autonomy in Hong Kong. The incident highlights the complex relationship between technological platforms, political ideologies, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital censorship.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjdzvvgev8eo