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The Pacific nation is currently in early talks with Meta about implementing age restrictions to reduce the influence of harmful material on digital platforms.

Planned Digital Platform Regulations for 2025

Authorities expects its proposed Social Media Policy 2025 is set to be taken to parliament later this month. According to the proposal, individuals aged 14 and over must obtain a digital ID before logging in platforms like Instagram.

Officials stated these changes are necessary to prevent online abuse, misinformation, and scams. Social media companies must also register in the country and follow national regulations, and a new national e-Safety Directorate will be created to oversee harmful online material.

“We are in early discussions with Meta on enforcing age verification as a start,” PNG’s information and communications technology official stated.

Global Backdrop and Public Concerns

These planned restrictions coincide with PNG’s neighbouring country, its regional partner, prepares to introduce its long-anticipated under-16s social media ban. Governments and technology companies are closely watching Australia’s approach, which is expected to rely on AI technology and user patterns to estimate the age of users.

Efforts to control digital material and platforms have driven public concern in Papua New Guinea about information availability and apprehensions of suppression.

“While appearing protective on paper, these rules may stifle those using Facebook or TikTok for expression,” a political science student studying in PNG remarked.

Consequences on Expression and Commerce

An entertainer known as KabbageGang on the platform emphasized that social media function as an essential resource for everyday citizens to share information, voice opinions, and obtain news beyond traditional media.”

He continued, “If the government introduces heavy-handed regulations such as ID registration, it risks silencing voices, especially those who rely on humour and creativity to educate and engage,” “People may feel less free to interact, comment, or share because of fear of surveillance.”

Past Official Actions and Public Response

Earlier this year, the government caused public anger when it temporarily shut down Facebook as a “test” to evaluate its ability to regulate online content. This action was taken under recently enacted security legislation that gave the government authority to monitor and restrict online communication.

Facebook is the most widely used social media platform in the country of around 11 million people. The service is particularly favoured with 18–34 year-olds and commonly used for public debate and activism, although the country also struggles with the dissemination of false information and violent content.

This suspension prompted widespread frustration from users across the nation. Officials said its steps were intended to safeguard youth from dangerous online exposure.

“Social media isn’t just for fun for most people; for many people, this is their shopfront and their only source of revenue for feeding their families,” an entrepreneur explained. “Increasing difficulties for citizens striving to make ends meet further erodes public trust.”

Expert Viewpoints on Online Safety

A technology expert and activist from more than ten years of work in promoting good governance proposed that authorities trying to restrict dialogue on platforms, such as the platform suspension, should not the method to make digital platforms more secure.

He stated that digital platforms can be made more protected “by implementing educational initiatives for digital safety and media understanding in educational and online settings.”

“We haven’t developed the same instinct for our digital freedoms on social media, which is the modern public space … this thinking needs to change,” the activist remarked.