Papua New Guinea has blocked access to Facebook in what the government has described as a “test” aimed at curbing hate speech, misinformation, and pornography. The ban, which started on Monday, has sparked backlash from opposition members and political critics, who argue that it infringes on human rights and freedom of speech.
Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr defended the move, claiming that the government is not trying to suppress free speech, but instead has a responsibility to protect citizens from harmful online content. Facebook, which is the most popular social media platform in Papua New Guinea with about 1.3 million users, plays a vital role in facilitating communication, especially as press freedom has been declining in the country. Many small businesses also rely on Facebook for their sales and marketing.
Neville Choi, president of the Papua New Guinea Media Council, has called the move “borders on political autocracy” and an abuse of human rights. He expressed concern that at least two government agencies overseeing communication and technology were unaware of the government’s decision to block Facebook, despite police claims that it was done in partnership with these agencies. Opposition MP Allan Bird echoed this sentiment, describing the ban as a step toward “tyranny” and warning that it could be the first phase of a broader crackdown on free speech.
The ban follows the passing of controversial counter-terrorism laws earlier this year, which give the government increased powers to monitor and restrict online communications. Bird has condemned these laws as “draconian” and a threat to personal freedoms.
Despite the ban, many people in Papua New Guinea have managed to access Facebook using virtual private networks (VPNs), which allow users to bypass the restrictions. However, there are growing concerns about the economic impact of the move, especially for small business owners. John Pora, chair of the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation, expressed concern for the thousands of retailers who rely on Facebook for their livelihoods. He called for the systems to be restored as soon as possible to avoid disrupting trade.
This isn’t the first time that the government has taken action against Facebook. In 2018, Papua New Guinea temporarily banned the platform for a month in an effort to tackle fake profiles. Additionally, in 2023, the government launched a parliamentary inquiry into “fake news” and social media in the country.