Yani Neko Anime Removed from Streaming in Hong Kong for “Violating Smoking Product Advertising Rules”
A streaming service in Hong Kong had to remove Yani Neko from its programming after receiving a notice from the Hong Kong Department of Health stating that the anime could no longer be streamed in the region.
Below is the statement from the streaming service:
Recently, Bahamut Anime Madness received a notice from the Hong Kong Department of Health stating that this season’s anime Yani Neko violates Hong Kong law, specifically Chapter 371 — the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, due to content considered to be related to “advertising smoking products” on the internet, under Sections 13B and 14.
For this reason, in order to comply with local laws and the requirements of the Hong Kong Department of Health, Yani Neko has been suspended from streaming in Hong Kong effective immediately.
The platform said it deeply regrets what happened and offered its sincerest apologies to users in Hong Kong.
If any subscriber in Hong Kong believes their subscription rights have been affected, the platform recommends requesting a refund for the current billing period through the subscription system they used, either Google or iOS.
Subscribers who paid by credit card through the website using NewebPay should refer to Section 7 of the service’s terms and contact the platform through the member center link provided there. The company says it will assist with the refund process.
Finally, Bahamut Anime Madness apologized for the inconvenience caused by the situation and asked for the understanding of its Hong Kong users.
Bahamut Anime Madness is a Taiwanese service that also provides its streaming platform to users in Hong Kong, which is why the statement is specifically directed at its Hong Kong audience.
Amid ongoing discussions about laws that could place greater restrictions on fictional content, an anime about smoking has now been CENSORED because even fictional depictions can apparently fall under advertising regulations.
The world is slowly heading toward a future where every piece of fictional content is going to be the Care Bears.