In a surprise move, Papua New Guinea has lifted its ban on Facebook, just days after the social media platform was abruptly shut down across the country. The ban, which was imposed on Monday, March 25, 2025, was initially justified by authorities as part of “counter-terrorism” operations and efforts to curb harmful online content.
According to Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili, the ban was a “test” intended to mitigate the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and pornography on the platform. However, the decision sparked widespread criticism from opposition politicians, media organizations, and human rights groups, who viewed it as an attack on free speech and a violation of citizens’ rights.
The ban was enacted under Papua New Guinea’s anti-terrorism laws, which grant authorities broad powers to monitor and restrict online communication. The government argued that the move was necessary to safeguard national security and prevent the dissemination of dangerous content.
However, critics argued that the ban was a thinly veiled attempt to stifle dissent. Opposition MP Allan Bird called the action “authoritarian” and warned that it signaled a dangerous path for the country’s democratic institutions.
Despite the backlash, authorities claimed the ban achieved its intended goals. Police Commissioner David Manning stated that it allowed law enforcement to identify and disrupt a criminal network using Facebook to incite violence and spread hate speech.
On Wednesday, March 27, the government announced that the “test” had been completed and access to Facebook had been restored. While the platform is once again available, the incident has raised serious concerns about the government’s intentions, as well as its commitment to upholding online freedoms and the right to free expression.
This is not the first time Papua New Guinea has moved to restrict access to Facebook. In 2018, the government temporarily blocked the platform in an attempt to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation.
The decision to lift the latest ban has been welcomed by human rights groups and free speech advocates, who view Facebook as a critical platform for public discourse and democratic participation.
However, questions remain about the government’s ability to effectively regulate online content while safeguarding digital rights. As Papua New Guinea continues to navigate the challenges of internet governance, the tension between protecting national security and preserving free speech is likely to remain a contentious issue.
