PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (Kashmir English): Papua New Guinea has blocked Facebook, saying the shutdown, enforced under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, is a “test” aimed at curbing hate speech, misinformation, and explicit content.
The shutdown began on Monday and continued into Tuesday. Authorities have not said anything on when the service will be restored.
Facebook ban draws criticism
The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers, business leaders, and media groups who argue it undermines free speech as well as disrupts economic activity.
Peter Tsiamalili, Police Minister, in response to the criticism said the government is not attempting to suppress free speech but wants to ensure “responsible usage” of social media.
“The unchecked proliferation of fake news, hate speech, pornography, child exploitation, and incitement to violence on platforms such as Facebook is unacceptable,” Tsiamalili said in a statement.
With an estimated 1.3 million users countrywide, Facebook is the dominant social media platform in Papua New Guinea.
The platform plays a crucial role in political discourse, commerce, and community engagement.
Allan Bird, an opposition MP, called the government decision “draconian,” warning that it is heading “into dangerous territory.” The Media Council of the country also condemned the ban, calling it an “abuse of human rights.”
Business groups also expressed concern that the ban would impact small traders who rely on Facebook for sales. “The informal sector will be the most affected,” according to chairman of PNG’s Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation, John Pora.
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority feigned ignorance about the move, saying it was unaware of the government’s plan, raising further questions about the ban’s execution. Meta, the Facebook’s parent company, has yet to comment on the ban.
