The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force reminds the public today (June 10) not to download a mobile application named "Reversed Front: Bonfire" or provide funding to the application developer for engaging in acts and activities endangering national security.

    "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 established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China. It also has an intention to provoke hatred towards the Central Authorities and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Any person or organisation who knowingly publishes the application or related content, including sharing or recommending the application to others via the Internet, may commit the offence of "incitement to secession" under Article 21 and the offence of "incitement to subversion" under Article 23 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, as well as "offences in connection with seditious intention" under Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

    In addition, those who have downloaded the application may be regarded as in possession of a publication that has a seditious intention. Under Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, a person who, without reasonable excuse, possesses a publication that has a seditious intention, commits an offence. A person who provides pecuniary or other financial assistance or property to the application developer, including making payment through in-app purchases, with an intent to provide funding to the relevant developer for the commission of secession or subversion, also commits an offence.

    With the approval of the Secretary for Security, NSD has implemented disabling action on electronic messages related to "Reversed Front: Bonfire" in accordance with Schedule 4 to the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

    NSD again reminds that acts or activities endangering national security are extremely serious offences. Police will ensure that the law is observed and strictly enforced, and will take resolute actions to bring offenders to account. Members of the public should not download the application or provide funding by any means to the relevant developer. Those who have downloaded the application should uninstall it immediately and must not attempt to defy the law.