Without Warning: Facebook Blocked in Papua New Guinea

The citizens of Papua New Guinea were surprised as the government unexpectedly declared a ban on Facebook use on March 24th, as part of what has been framed as a test to safeguard the public from detrimental digital content. Over 1.3 million Facebook users are affected by this move without clear notice on how long the ban will last. Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili justified the action as part of the amended National Security Act, which is the country’s anti-terrorism law that was passed a few months ago. This law enables the government to keep under surveillance and impose limits on any form of digital information transmission on account of advancing cyber

security and tackling national security threats. However, the new legislation is regarded as being vague for its broadness and heightens the risk of being exploited in opposition to its primary intent.

A high number of people, including businesses, students, and civil organisations, expressed their criticisms over the government’s lack of notification and transparency. The key stakeholders that should be involved in this matter, like the National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), were allegedly not consulted. This triggered public apprehension as proper discourse about this

measure in line with digital regulations should have taken place before the ban was carried out.

Some even contend that this may lead to the normalisation of future digital interference by the government and allow the government to abuse its power.

In the age of digitalisation, social media platforms have become a primary means of

communication and data exchange. Although there are growing issues with the harmful effects of the dissemination of fake news, underage pornography, and propaganda campaigns circulating from these networking sites, they still serve as instruments to express one’s opinions and access information. Prohibiting them will obstruct people’s right to free speech and practice peaceful assembly, which are integral to democracy as they allow the formation of diverse opinions and

debates on social issues. Consequently, it is an avenue for the population to voice their distress and make authorities responsive to their needs and accountable. The legal structures need to be strengthened to regulate digital interactions efficiently and establish safety mechanisms to preserve user rights while mitigating internet misuse.

Sources and Further Readings:

News.com.au. (2025, March 26). ‘Draconian’: Papua New Guinea blocks Facebook. News.com.au. Accessed April 1st, 2025. https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/social/draconian-papua-new-guinea-blocks-facebook/news-story/c82ad06fc5af796fbd342f8c433b4656  

Waide, S. (2025, March 25). PNG’s sudden Facebook Ban – a government flexing social media control? ABC Pacific. Accessed April 1st, 2025. https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/facebook-png-disrupted-by-tests-to-regulate-hate-speech/105092262