The Papua New Guinea cabinet has endorsed a national
digital identity policy “setting a new standard for digital
governance in the Pacific”, the government says.
In a
statement on Thursday, the country’s Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced
that National Executive Council (NEC) had officially
endorsed the National Digital Identity Policy
2025.
The policy, developed by DICT, will create “a
secure, inclusive, and interoperable digital identity system
for all citizens”, the department siad.
It said the
policy aims to establish a foundational digital identity
framework that will streamline access to government
services, reduce fraud, and enhance data protection across
sectors.”
According to the DICT, it outlines key
principles including privacy, consent, accessibility, and
legal safeguards to prevent misuse of personal
data.
PNG’s Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr
described it as “a transformative moment for our nation’s
digital future”.
“This policy is not just about
technology – it’s about empowering our people,” Tsiamalili
was quoted as saying in the statement.
“With a trusted
digital identity, every Papua New Guinean will be able to
access services more efficiently, securely, and with
dignity.”
The DICT said the policy aligns with the
broader Digital Government Act 2022 and supports the
implementation of the National Identification and Civil
Registry system, as well as complements PNG’s commitments
under the Pacific ICT Ministerial Dialogue and the recently
launched Lagatoi Declaration.
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“We are laying the
groundwork for a future where digital inclusion is a right,
not a privilege,” Tsiamalili said.
He said the policy
ensures that the country’s citizens were at the center of
every digital reform.
“We are not just catching up-we
are setting a new standard for digital governance in the
Pacific. This is about building trust, protecting rights,
and unlocking opportunities for every citizen,” he
added.
DICT secretary Steven Matainaho said the policy
will guide the development of a national digital ID
platform, which will be integrated with existing registries
and databases.
Matainaho said the platform will adopt
international best practices while remaining sensitive to
PNG’s unique cultural and legal
context.
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