Scott
Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent
The
Papua New Guinea government has admitted to using a
technology that it says was “successfully tested” to block
social media platforms, particularly Facebook, for much of
the day on Monday.
Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr
said the “test” was done under the framework of the
Anti-Terrorism Act 2024, and sought to address the growing
concerns over hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful
content online.
Tsiamalili did not specify what kind
of tech was used, but said it was carried out in
collaboration with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
(RPNGC), the National Information and Communications
Technology Authority (NICTA), and various internet service
providers.
“We are not attempting to suppress free
speech or restrict our citizens from expressing their
viewpoints,” Tsiamalili said.
“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 well-being of
our populace.”
However, government agencies
responsible for communications and ICT, including NICTA,
said they were not aware.
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“Public confidence in our
digital governance relies on transparency and consistency in
how we approach online regulation,” NICTA chief executive
Kilakupa Gulo-Vui said.
“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.”
He said that
while maintaining national security is a priority, the
balance between safety and digital freedom must be carefully
managed.
Gulo-Vui said NICTA will be addressing this
matter with the Minister for ICT to ensure NICTA’s role
continues to align with the government’s broader policy
objectives, while fostering a cohesive and united approach
to digital regulation.
The Department of Information
Communication and Technology (DICT) secretary Steven
Matainaho also stated his department was not aware of the
test but added that the Police have powers under the new
domestic terrorism laws.
Papua New Guinea’s recently
introduced anti-terror laws are aimed at curbing both
internal and external security threats.
However,
critics of the move say the test borders on dictatorial
control.
An observer of Monday’s events Lucas Kiap
said the goal of combating hate speech and exploitation is
commendable, but the approach risks paving way for
authoritarian overreach.
“Where is PNG headed? If the
government continues down this path, it risks trading
democracy for control.”
Many social media users,
however, appeared to outdo the government, with many
downloading and sharing Virtual Area Network (VPN) apps and
continuing to post on Facebook.
“Hello from Poland,”
one user said.
‘Designed to take away our freedoms’ –
Bird
East Sepik governor Allan Bird said on Tuesday
that the country’s anti-terrorism law could target anyone
because “the definition of a terrorist is left to the Police
Minister to decide”.
“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 Facebook.
He said government MPs laughed at
him and used their numbers to pass the
bill.
“Yesterday, the Police Minister used the
anti-terrorism act to shut down Facebook. That was just a
test, that was step one,” Bird said.
“There is no
limit to the powers the Minister of Police can exercise
under this new law. It is draconian law designed to take
away our freedoms.
“We are now heading into dangerous
territory and everyone is powerless to stop this tyranny,”
he
added.
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