Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
PNG 'test' blocks Facebook, citizens download VPN apps to stay connected
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.
"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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