Papua New Guinea’s government has shut down social media platform Facebook, in what it describes as a “test” to mitigate hate speech, misinformation, pornography and “other detrimental content”.
The test, conducted under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, began on Monday morning and has extended into Tuesday.
Facebook users in the country have been unable to log-in to the platform and it is unclear how long the ban will go on for.
The government’s move was not flagged ahead of the “test” on Monday — a move opposition MPs and media leaders have described as “tyranny” and an “abuse of human rights”.
Facebook is by far the most popular social media platform in the country, with an estimated 1.3 million users, or about half of the country’s estimated 2.6 million internet users.
The platform is a critical tool for public discourse in the country, with many highly active forums used to discuss PNG politics and social issues.
Yet, the government has been highly critical of Facebook with the platform often blamed for helping spread misinformation, particularly in light of a recent spate of tribal killings in the country.
To shut down pornography they might have to block 1 or 2 more websites … at least.
Just a small handful, no big deal.
Oh, snap! You just Papua’d his New Guinea with that dick joke.
As long as it only occupies one hand then fine.
I mean…I need 2 hands. It’s a handful. It’s 2 handfuls! It’s a lot to go around!
…ladies.
Look ma, no hands!
Do people use Facebook for porn? Like, on their personal accounts? That’s weird.
The reels and ads they shove in my face are often very scantily clad women. I could see a country/culture with different values getting real upset about that.
i don’t know, only went with what the title says