Papua New Guinea has blocked Facebook, claiming it is a “test” to reduce hate speech, misinformation, and pornography. According to Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr, the government is not restricting free speech but rather protecting citizens from harmful content.
Critics Call It a Human Rights Violation
However, opposition leaders and activists strongly oppose the ban. Neville Choi, president of the media council, warned that the move “borders on political autocracy and an abuse of human rights.” Likewise, opposition MP Allan Bird condemned the decision, stating, “We are now heading into dangerous territory, and everyone is powerless to stop this tyranny.”
Lack of Coordination Sparks Concern
Surprisingly, at least two government agencies responsible for communication and technology said they were unaware of the ban. This contradicts police claims that they coordinated with these agencies. As a result, many critics believe the government acted without proper consultation.
Small Businesses Face Challenges
Furthermore, the ban has disrupted businesses. With over 1.3 million users in Papua New Guinea, Facebook is a crucial platform for small businesses. John Pora, chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation, expressed concern, saying, “We have a couple of hundred thousand people in the informal sector, and they’ll be feeling uncertain.”
Government Has Targeted Facebook Before
Notably, this is not the first time Papua New Guinea has restricted Facebook. In 2018, the government banned the platform for a month to investigate fake accounts. Later, in 2023, officials launched an inquiry into “fake news and social media platforms.”
New Laws Expand Online Restrictions
Meanwhile, the recent counter-terrorism laws have raised further concerns. These laws give the government broad powers to monitor and limit online communication. Bird criticized the measures, calling them “draconian” and warning, “Blocking Facebook is just step one.”
Users Find Ways to Bypass the Ban
Despite the government’s efforts, many users are still accessing Facebook through virtual private networks (VPNs). Consequently, the ban has not entirely stopped people from using the platform.
