ICT Minister warns users of ban on social media abuse

The warning to shut down social media applications in the country is still on the table.

Information and Communication Technology [ICT] Minister Timothy Masiu issued the warning while speaking on NBC National Radio on Thursday.

Mr Masiu said negative comments on different social media applications against the national government shot over ninety percent on January 10, when lawlessness was experienced in Port Moresby and nearly spread to other provinces.  

He said National Information and Communications Technology Authority [NICTA] has a specific desk which continues to monitor social media comments and he has powers under relevant legislation to shut down Facebook in the interest of the country. 

Normalcy has returned to the nation’s capital, while the 14 days’ national government ordered state of emergency orders are ongoing.   

NICTA Chief Executive Officer Kila Gulo-Vui said the National ICT Act gives section 70 powers to the ICT minister.

That particular law outlines the power of government in an emergency, were the Minister (or any officer expressly authorised on behalf of the Minister), to the extent required to respond to a public emergency or matter of public safety, may - require an operator licensee to restrict or delay the carriage of certain communication.