By Ollus Ndomu
Papua New Guinea has blocked access to Facebook in what authorities describe as a “test” to curb hate speech, misinformation, and pornography, sparking backlash from opposition lawmakers and rights groups.
Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr defended the ban, saying the government has a “responsibility to protect citizens from harmful content.” However, critics argue the move threatens free speech and business operations, as Facebook is the country’s most popular social media platform, with 1.3 million users, including many small businesses.
Neville Choi, president of Papua New Guinea’s media council, warned that the ban “borders on political autocracy and an abuse of human rights.” Opposition MP Allan Bird condemned the move, calling it the “first step” in eroding freedoms under new counterterrorism laws that expand government surveillance and online restrictions.
Notably, at least two government agencies overseeing communication and technology said they were unaware of the ban before it was enforced, raising concerns about transparency. Despite the restrictions, many users continue to access Facebook via virtual private networks (VPNs).
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