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.
There is your fucking problem. Stop fucking centralizing an entire countries discourse to a corporate propaganda platform.
Especially a foreign social media company with algorithm that isn’t transparent and has the power to block whatever users and posts they want to push the desired narrative. Its not a free and open platform but a propaganda tool of a single billionaire.
I remember as kid I thought adults could be looked up to and had wisdom.
This… I know that my views aren’t the majority, but man do I love this platform and how people actually will have a legit conversation about issues.
The people who are over emotional and stirring the pot don’t get the same support here. Most just want the truth and to actually talk. I love this!
Right???