Advertisement

Hongkongers warned not to download mobile game ‘promoting secessionist agenda’

Individuals who download Reversed Front: Bonfire may be considered in possession of a seditious publication, police warn

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
12
‘Reversed Front: Bonfire’ was developed by a Taiwanese company, ESC. Photo: reversedfront.tw
Police have warned residents against downloading a mobile game application advocating Hong Kong and Taiwanese independence or risk breaking national security laws.

The force also said on Tuesday that action had been taken under the Beijing-imposed national security law to allow police to require the relevant electronic platforms to remove access to the game Reversed Front: Bonfire, which was developed by ESC Taiwan and launched in April.

Individuals who downloaded the app could be considered in possession of a seditious publication, contravening domestic security legislation, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, police said.

The force added that those who provided money or financial help to the game’s developer, including making in-app purchases, with the intent to fund acts of secession or subversion of state power, also risk committing an offence under the national security law.

“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’, advocating armed revolution and the overthrow of the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China [PRC] established by the constitution of the People’s Republic of China,” national security police said.

“It also has an intention to provoke hatred towards the central authorities and the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.”

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2-3x faster
1.1x
220 WPM
Slow
Normal
Fast
1.1x