Facebook will now face the full wrath of the PNG government like TikTok. Their primary justification would be the misinformation, explicit content, and negative societal debate stemmed from the Facebook platform. However, a clear debate remains on the positive or negative implications that follow such a drastic decision. Digital rights activists remain opposed to such stringent restrictions arguing that it fuels further suppression of free speech.
The governments have done little to explain their justification but a clear bias can be seen from PNG’s Minister for Communications and Information. His justification of limiting boundaries with cybercrime, violence, and pornography quickly turns into social media restrictions and bashing which is a very simplistic point of view. The global perception without policy explanation will always sound too blunt in tackling such a complex social issue.
PNG remains hopeful. In scrapping Facebook the PNG government hopes to at least limit exposure of younger audiences to extreme content while shifting their focus on a “safer” environment. This argument puts the Government in a deeply hypocritical manner as they will be limiting the entirety of Facebook features rather than tackling the complex social debates surrounding it.
Opposing Viewpoints
As expected, Facebook’s restriction was received positively by some people and negatively by others. As some citizens sided with the government’s logic, regarding social media’s contribution to the proliferation of online fraud, misinformation, and cyberbullying, other citizens believed such regulations would create a more responsible digital environment.
Others, such as right to digital activists or members from the opposition, were not in agreement and believed the government is infringing on individual freedom. The consensus from them is that removing Facebook solves no problems related to inaccurate information but blinds people from important facets of communication. Perhaps most worrying is the impact the prohibition will have on the economic activity of countless freelancers, small enterprises, and ordinary citizens who use Facebook as a vital marketing and networking tool.
Concerns Related to Freedom of The Press and Censorship
The opposing viewpoint did not forget to mention the international checkers who have consistently reported on the more nuanced implications of the ban. They argue against government censorship, especially when looking at countries such as China and North Korea who have already banned social media and severely limited free speech and the public’s use of information.
Human rights advocates have encouraged the PNG government to reconsider the complete dismemberment of a platform used by millions by suggesting content moderation, stronger cybersecurity regulations, and offering better digital literacy programs as alternatives.
Potential Effects on Economy and Connectivity
Facebook is a common platform in Papua New Guinea, being the go to choice for businesses, media houses, and even everyday citizens. The restriction can have a deleterious effect on s-commerce, the distribution of news, and even medical emergencies in some parts of the country where Facebook serves as the primary tool for communication.
PNG’s digital economy is quickly growing, and their choice to block access to this social media giant puts their level of dedication to progress in technology and the economy into question. Other experts are warning that this decision may easily dissuade foreign investment into the digital infrastructure of the country and make it more difficult to incorporate other nations into the global digital economy.
Conclusion
The ban of Facebook in Papua New Guinea has caused a heated discussion regarding the balance between internet governance, digital freedoms, and state supervision over web spaces. Many concede that the action is essential to fight against misinformation and nudity, while others see it as unwarranted repression of freedom of speech. PNG faces many issues in terms of digital transformation, which puts the internet usage, and freedom of speech, in the country in a difficult position.