Masiu proposes urgent social media regulation

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology [ICT] is proposing the urgent need to introduce a social media policy to control various social media platforms in Papua New Guinea.

ICT Minister Timothy Masiu said the policy intervention is to create a safer, more accountable, and family-friendly digital environment that reflects Christian values.

He said that social media transformed the ways people communicate, connect, and do business.

“Alongside its benefits, it has also become a place that has facilitated illegal and harmful activities such as human and drug trafficking, cyber harassment, and the proliferation of explicit and harmful content.

“Our vulnerable populations, especially children and young people, are increasingly at risk of exploitation and negative influence in unregulated online places.

He said the proposed policy intervention will include measures such as restricted access for children, mandatory digital ID verification and digital platform accountability.

“Papua New Guineans aged 16 years and below will be restricted from accessing certain social media platforms deemed inappropriate.

“Aged 16 and above will require Digital ID to access social media platforms in the country.

“Social media platforms operating in Papua New Guinea will be required to or legally register in-country, ensuring compliance with national laws or direct traffic through our Internet Exchange Point [IXP],” Masiu said.

The Department of ICT also recognizes and commends the recent efforts made by Australia in protecting its citizens on social media platforms.

“We will engage with the Australian Government to collaborate on best practices and harmonize efforts where feasible,” Masiu said.

Meanwhile the draft Social Media Policy 2025 will be released for public consultation in January 2025.

This consultation phase will involve additional baseline assessments to ensure the policy is evidence-based and aligned with Papua New Guinea's socio-economic priorities.