‘Simpsons’ episode censored in HK on Disney+

An episode of ‘The Simpsons’ in which the cartoon American family visit Tiananmen Square is missing from the Disney+ streaming service in Hong Kong, adding to concerns about mainland China-style censorship in the city.

It comes at a time when authorities are clamping down on dissent, with curbs on speech becoming a norm in the international business hub and ensnaring global media and tech giants.

Disney+ has made rapid advances since it was launched 18 months ago, reaching more than 116 million worldwide subscribers. The Hong Kong version started streaming earlier this month and eagle-eyed customers soon noticed the conspicuous absence of ‘The Simpsons’ episode 12 of season 16.

The episode also contains pointed comments about Tibet -- where Beijing has been accused of religious oppression -- and the Cultural Revolution, a devastating period of upheaval in the last decade of Mao Zedong’s rule.