PNG Blocks Facebook Under Anti-Terrorism Laws

Papua New Guinea has blocked Facebook in a controversial move under its anti-terrorism laws, labeling it a 'test' to curb hate speech, misinformation, and explicit content. The decision, which began on Monday, has been criticized by opposition MPs and media leaders as a violation of human rights and an abuse of power. Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili defended the action, asserting the government's duty to protect citizens from harmful content. However, the National Information and Communication Technology Authority and other key stakeholders were reportedly not consulted, raising concerns about transparency. Facebook is a crucial platform in the country, with 1.3 million users relying on it for business and public discourse. Despite the ban, many users continue accessing Facebook through VPNs, and the duration of the ban remains unclear.