saying that those who publish it or share it with others online may risk violating national security laws. The announcement – the first to publicly denounce a gaming app – indicates that the authorities are widening the crackdown that has followed anti-government protests in 2019. The authorities have crushed or silenced many dissenting voices through prosecutions under the 2020 national security law imposed by Beijing and a similar, home-grown law enacted last year. In a statement, the police warned residents against downloading the ‘Reversed Front: Bonfire’ application, saying those with the app installed might be seen as possessing a publication with a seditious intention. They also warned people against providing financial assistance to the application developer, including making in-app purchases.

“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,” the police said. The game application was developed by ESC Taiwan, which did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment. On the application’s Facebook page, the developer posted about surging searches for the game name and a Hong Kong broadcaster’s news report about Tuesday’s development. (Jamaica Gleaner)