Papua New Guinea bans Facebook to curb harmful online content

Papua New Guinea authorities have implemented a ban on Facebook as part of a government initiative to control and mitigate the prevalence of hate speech, misinformation, and pornography on the popular social media platform. The ban, which began on Monday, affected over one million users and has drawn sharp criticism from political opposition and civil rights advocates, who argue it infringes on human rights and free speech. The police minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jr, defended the action as a necessary step to protect citizens, claiming it is not an attempt to suppress free speech but a measure to promote responsible usage of social media. This recent ban marks a significant escalation in the government's efforts to regulate digital communications, particularly in light of newly enacted counter-terrorism laws giving authorities greater oversight capabilities. Joshua Bird, an opposition minister, denounced the decision as draconian, stating that it exemplifies an abuse of power within the current government framework. Concerns are heightened due to the apparent lack of consultation with the country’s National Information and Communication Technology Authority, which is responsible for the oversight of communication technologies. The implications of blocking Facebook extend beyond mere access; many citizens, along with thousands of small business operators who rely heavily on the platform for commerce, are left in uncertainty. John Pora, the chair of the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation, voiced alarm over the negative impact on informal businesses that utilize Facebook for sales. Despite the ban's enforcement, many users have been able to circumvent restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs), underscoring the challenges the government faces in fully implementing its control. This ban is not an isolated incident; in 2018, the country had temporarily banned Facebook for a month as authorities sought to address issues surrounding fake accounts. The ongoing surveillance and restriction of online platforms reflect an increasing tension between national security measures and digital freedoms, drawing attention from international observers concerned about the potential for political autocracy. As PNG continues to grapple with freedom of expression in an increasingly digitized world, the long-term consequences of such bans on public discourse and democratic engagement remain to be seen.