The Papua New Guinean government has imposed a shutdown on the social media platform Facebook, citing a "test" aimed at curbing hate speech, misinformation, pornography, and other harmful content. The move, carried out under the country's anti-terrorism laws, began yesterday and has continued into today.

Facebook users across the nation have found themselves unable to access the platform, with no clear indication of when the ban will be lifted.

The decision to enforce the ban came without prior warning, drawing criticism from opposition MPs and media leaders who have condemned the move as "tyranny" and an "abuse of human rights."

PNG's Police Minister, Peter Tsiamalili, defended the initiative, stating that it aims to promote responsible social media use while shielding the public from damaging content. He emphasized that the government was not attempting to stifle free speech or suppress citizens' rights to voice their opinions.

However, Tsiamalili argued that the unchecked spread of fake news, hate speech, pornography, child exploitation, and incitements to violence posed serious risks to public safety, dignity, and well-being.

Facebook is known to be PNG's most widely used social media platform, boasting an estimated 1.3 million users — approximately half of the country's estimated 2.6 million internet users.

The ban has sparked widespread concern, with Neville Choi, president of the Media Council of PNG, warning that the move encroaches on political autocracy and violates fundamental human rights.

PNG opposition MP Allan Bird described the action as "draconian," warning that the Police Minister’s ability to invoke the Anti-Terrorism Act in this manner opens the door for further restrictions on freedoms. Bird cautioned that the law could be exploited to erode civil liberties, stating, "We are heading into dangerous territory and everyone is powerless to stop this tyranny."

Adding to the controversy, PNG's National Information and Communications Technology Authority revealed last night that it was unaware of the government's decision — contradicting the Police Minister's claim that the department supported the move.

Papua New Guinea's action follows a similar attempt by the Solomon Islands in 2021, when former Prime Minister Mannaseh Sogavare proposed a Facebook ban. That plan was later abandoned following public backlash.