Google defends decision to refuse Hong Kong request to make Chinese national anthem top search result for certain keyword queries

Tech giant makes it clear it will not manually manipulate organic web listings to determine ranking of a specific page. Beijing weighs in on matter by vowing to back Hong Kong government and reminding Google of its ‘obligation’ to disseminate correct information. — SCMP

Google has stood its ground in refusing a request by Hong Kong’s government to ensure the Chinese national anthem appears as a top search result for certain keyword queries, stressing it will not manually manipulate organic web listings.

But the company on Dec 15 pledged to continue to engage with the government and explain how its platforms and removal policies worked.