Papua New Guinea is considering new social media regulations that would require users aged 14 and older to register for a SevisPass digital ID to access platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X.
The proposed Social Media Policy 2025, expected to be tabled in parliament this month, aims to curb online abuse, fake news, and scams in the Pacific nation of 11 million, where Facebook is widely used for political discourse and activism, particularly among 18- to 34-year-olds.
The policy mandates that social media companies register in Papua New Guinea and comply with local laws.
A new national e-Safety Directorate will monitor harmful content.
Steven Matainaho, secretary of the information and communications technology department, said the government is in early talks with Meta to enforce age verification.
The move follows a controversial March shutdown of Facebook, described as a “test” under anti-terrorism laws, which sparked public outrage over disrupted access and lack of transparency.
Critics argue the regulations could restrict free expression and access to information.
Jonathan Makil, a political science student, warned that the policy “could silence people who rely on Facebook or TikTok to speak out.”
Small business owner Sylvia Pascoe, whose events management company depends on Facebook, said the shutdown “disrupted everyone” without clear justification, eroding public trust.
Transparency International activist Yuambari Haihuie advocated for safer online spaces through education and media literacy rather than restrictive measures, emphasizing that “social media is the modern public space.”
The debate mirrors concerns in Australia, where a social media ban for those under 16 is set to take effect, relying on AI and behavioral data for age estimation.