The Papua New Guinea Government is rolling out important regulations for Facebook usage in collaboration with mobile operators and the ICT industry regulator. Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr has issued warnings to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, regarding forthcoming measures designed to combat threats like hate speech, misinformation, and harmful content on social media platforms in the nation.
Tsiamalili highlighted a successful pilot of new technology under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2024, conducted with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), and various internet service providers. This initiative aims to promote responsible social media usage by reducing the spread of false information and other harmful materials.
Although social media users in Papua New Guinea faced interruptions while trying to access Facebook via mobile devices, Minister Tsiamalili assured that this was not about suppressing free speech. He stressed the necessity of regulating fake news and harmful content that could jeopardize the safety and dignity of citizens in a diverse cultural landscape.
Further emphasizing the government’s commitment, Tsiamalili urged Meta and other social media platforms to partner with the Papua New Guinea government in cultivating responsible and transparent platform usage. The objective is to ensure that all communication platforms operate within guidelines that support national security, commerce, and education.
These regulatory measures reflect an awareness of global shifts towards social media oversight, indicating a proactive approach to meet the unique needs of Papua New Guinea’s context. This initiative not only aims to create a safer online atmosphere but also encourages citizens to express their views freely while being shielded from detrimental materials.
A positive aspect of this situation is the recognition that improving online safety is a shared concern among Pacific nations, with countries like Fiji also engaging in similar discussions regarding the consequences of social media on youth and the broader community. This collaborative effort among nations can potentially foster a safer digital environment for citizens across the region.
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