‘Draconian’: Papua New Guinea blocks Facebook

The ban was placed on the social media platform by the nation’s police department under anti-terrorism laws.

Papua New Guinea’s government has shut down Facebook as part of a “test” to “protect” its citizens from “harmful content”.

The block was placed on the platform on Monday, affecting the Pacific nation’s 1.3 million Facebook users. It’s unclear how long the ban will last.

In a statement, Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili said the block was made under the nation’s anti-terrorism laws.

Users have been unable to load any content on the app. Picture: X

The ban has blacked out the app for users. Picture: X

“The government has the responsibility to protect its citizens from harmful content and the spread of misinformation. This was a necessary step to evaluate our capabilities in maintaining public order,” he said in an official statement from the nation’s police department.

“However, the unchecked proliferation of fake news, hate speech, pornography, child exploitation, and incitement to violence on platforms such as Facebook is unacceptable.

“These challenges increasingly threaten the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of our populace.”

The block has been poorly received by the public, with key agencies kept out of the loop of the government’s plans.

PNG’s National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) said it was not involved in or aware of the “test.”

“Public confidence in our digital governance relies on transparency and consistency in how we approach online regulation,” NICTA chief executive Kila Gulo-Vui said in a statement.

“It is essential that all key stakeholders, including NICTA, law enforcement, telecommunications providers, and government agencies, collaborate closely to ensure that any actions taken are well-understood and properly executed.”

Key agencies say they were not aware of the test. Picture: Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

Many users online have taken to using alternative VPNs to access the platform.

“PNG government “testing” controls over facebook,” one user wrote on X.

“Blackout, blanket suppression. This is stuff dictators do.”

Governor of East Sepik Province Allan Bird labelled the block on Tuesday as “draconian”.

“During the debate on the anti terrorism bill in parliament, I pointed out that the law was too broad and it could be used against innocent people,” he wrote on social media.

“There is no limit to the powers the Minister of Police can exercise under this new law. We are now heading into dangerous territory and everyone is powerless to stop this tyranny.”

Originally published as ‘Draconian’: Papua New Guinea blocks Facebook