11 October 2019

... in light of the recent reports of the suspension and penalization of a Hearthstone player for expressing support for the protesters in Hong Kong. We ask you to reverse the penalties and clarify Blizzard’s policies and practices that affect your users’ right to freedom of expression and to clarify how your policies were implemented in this incident.

... As a major online gaming and user communications platform, Blizzard has a duty to respect human rights in its operations. As the U.N.’s Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights has recently reiterated, in reference to its call to the Hong Kong Government, it is crucial to protect the right to freedom of expression and “ensure that the right of those who are expressing their views peacefully are respected and protected.”...

In support of the right to freedom of expression, we urge you to reverse the penalties Blizzard imposed on the player and stream casters, and to provide restitution. In addition, and in the understanding that our civil society organization and others support your ongoing efforts to meet your corporate responsibility, we ask you to clarify Blizzard’s policies...