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In an attempt to mitigate misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and porn, Papua New Guinea has blocked local access to Facebook.
Facebook is the most commonly used social media platform in Papua New Guinea, with roughly 1.3 million users, over 10 per cent of the nation’s 10.7 million people. Businesses also use the platform for advertising and more.
The nation’s Police Minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, has called the ban a “test” that he said is part of a move to protect the people of Papua New Guinea from dangerous content.
“The government has the responsibility to protect its citizens from harmful content and the spread of misinformation,” he said.
“This was a necessary step to evaluate our capabilities in maintaining public order.”
However, the move has been controversial for a number of reasons. Some are calling the move a breach of human rights and free speech.
The president of Papua New Guinea’s Media Council, Neville Choi, said the Facebook ban “orders on political autocracy, and [is] an abuse of human rights”.
Social media platforms like Facebook have been important tools for free speech and escaping the nation’s lack of press freedom.
Additionally, a number of key regulation agencies, including the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and the National Information and Communication and Technology Authority (NICTA), were unaware that the “test” ban was to be put in place.
“Public confidence in our digital governance relies on transparency and consistency in how we approach online regulation,” said NICTA CEO Kila Gulo-Vui.
“It is essential that all key stakeholders, including NICTA, law enforcement, telecommunications providers, and government agencies, collaborate closely to ensure that any actions taken are well understood and properly executed.”
The Facebook “test” ban closely follows new legislation granting the government blanket powers for the monitoring and control of digital communications.
The National Security (Amendment) Act 2024 was introduced last year and sold as a way for the government to fight terrorism and cyber crime.
“It is draconian law designed to take away our freedoms,” said MP Allan Bird.
Some sceptics believe that the Facebook ban is just a way for the government to normalise digital control over its people and is the first step towards further control.
That being said, Facebook users in Papua New Guinea are still able to access the platform through VPNs.
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