Papua New Guinea has blocked access to Facebook starting Monday in an effort to combat misinformation, hate speech, and explicit content, a move that has sparked significant backlash. 

Critics, including opposition lawmakers and human rights advocates, have condemned the action as a violation of freedom of expression.

Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr. defended the decision, emphasizing that the government’s priority is to protect citizens from harmful online content, not to restrict free speech. Facebook is the most widely used social media platform in the country, with around 1.3 million users, including small businesses that depend on it for commerce.

Neville Choi, president of the Papua New Guinea Media Council, described the ban as an abuse of power, likening it to political authoritarianism. Adding to concerns, Choi pointed out that key government agencies responsible for communication were unaware of the move, despite the police claiming it was implemented in partnership with them.

Opposition MP Allan Bird criticized the ban as a step toward further suppression of freedoms, noting it followed the recent introduction of new counter-terrorism laws that expand the government's ability to monitor and restrict online activity.

Though the ban has caused disruptions, particularly for small businesses, many users have bypassed the restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs). John Pora, who leads the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation, voiced concerns about the impact on informal sector workers who rely on Facebook for trade.

This move follows previous threats by the government to crack down on Facebook, including a brief ban in 2018. In 2023, a parliamentary inquiry into fake news and social media platforms was launched.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1104 HRS, MAR 26, 2025
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