Papua New Guinea Imposes Controversial "Test" Shutdown of Facebook, Citing Harmful Content Concerns
Papua New Guinea’s government initiated an unanticipated shutdown of Facebook on Monday, June 5, 2023, characterizing the measure as a temporary "test" aimed at curbing the spread of hate speech, misinformation, pornography, and other detrimental content. The move, implemented under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, caught citizens off guard and sparked immediate criticism from opposition figures and media organizations who condemned it as an infringement on freedom of speech and human rights. The shutdown extended into Tuesday, leaving the duration of the ban uncertain and raising concerns about the government’s future intentions regarding social media regulation.
Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili defended the government’s action, asserting that it was necessary to ensure responsible social media usage and protect the public from harmful content. He emphasized that the intention was not to stifle free speech but rather to address the growing threat posed by the unchecked proliferation of fake news, hate speech, and other harmful materials online. Minister Tsiamalili highlighted the importance of safeguarding the safety, dignity, and well-being of the population, which he argued were increasingly jeopardized by the negative impacts of unregulated social media.
Facebook holds a dominant position in Papua New Guinea’s social media landscape, boasting an estimated 1.3 million users, representing roughly half of the country’s internet users. This makes the platform a crucial tool for public discourse, with numerous active forums dedicated to discussions on politics, social issues, and community matters. The government has previously expressed concerns about Facebook’s role in the dissemination of misinformation, particularly in the context of recent tribal violence in the country. This shutdown represents the culmination of long-standing government scrutiny of the platform, following a parliamentary inquiry into media disinformation launched earlier in 2023.
The government’s decision triggered a strong backlash, with critics characterizing the move as draconian and authoritarian. Media Council of PNG president Neville Choi voiced concerns that the ban bordered on political autocracy and constituted a violation of human rights. Opposition MP Allan Bird echoed these sentiments, condemning the use of anti-terrorism laws to justify the shutdown and warning of the potential for further erosion of freedoms. He expressed apprehension about the broad powers granted to the police minister under the new law, viewing it as a dangerous precedent with the potential to stifle dissent and curtail civil liberties.
Adding to the controversy, the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) revealed its lack of awareness regarding the government’s plans, despite Minister Tsiamalili’s claim of departmental support for the measure. This discrepancy raises questions about the internal coordination and transparency of the decision-making process. Papua New Guinea’s action follows a similar attempt by the Solomon Islands in 2021 to ban Facebook, which was ultimately abandoned due to public outcry. This precedent underscores the sensitivity surrounding social media regulation in the Pacific region and the potential for such moves to ignite significant public opposition.
The Facebook shutdown in Papua New Guinea raises important questions about the balance between combating harmful content and protecting freedom of expression. While the government insists that its intentions are noble, critics argue that the move sets a dangerous precedent for censorship and undermines democratic principles. The lack of prior notice and the apparent lack of coordination within the government further fuel concerns about the transparency and legitimacy of the process. The international community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and whether it becomes a catalyst for broader debates about social media regulation in the Pacific region and beyond. As of now, the duration of the ban remains unclear, leaving Papua New Guinea’s Facebook users in a state of uncertainty regarding their access to this vital communication platform.