Security News > 2022 > April > YouTube terminates account for Hong Kong's presumed next head of government

YouTube has blocked the campaign account of Hong Kong's only candidate for the Special Administrative Region's head of government, John Lee Ka-chiu, citing US sanctions.

Lee, often referred to as "Pikachu" by the Hong Kong anti-establishment faction as it sounds similar to "Lee Ka-chiu," stepped down from his position as Secretary for Security in Hong Kong to run for the chief executive spot.

Lam announced earlier this month that she would not seek re-election for the closest position Hong Kong has to a head of state after a single term marred by mass protests, severe COVID restrictions, and the largest population decrease experienced in the SAR for 60 years.

Like Lee, Lam was also sanctioned in August 2020 by the United States Department of the Treasury at the direction of Donald Trump for undermining Hong Kong's autonomy.

The document noted that Lee, a former police officer, introduced a new police unit dedicated to enforcing the Hong Kong National Security Law, inclusive of intelligence gathering and investigation capabilities.

While Google, Facebook, and other internet platforms are banned in mainland China, they remain free to use in Hong Kong.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/04/21/youtube_blocks_hong_kong_candidate/