Papua New Guinea to follow Australia in banning social media for children based on age
Less than a week after Australia’s law banning age-based social media was passed, the head of Papua New Guinea’s Department of Information and Communications Technology said the country would even – and even more.
Australia may have become the first country in the world to pass a law banning children from social media, but it appears it is far from the last, as Papua New Guinea (PNG) seems to follow the same path.
Steven Matainaho, secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, made the announcement earlier this week in a LinkedIn post after the department committed to the ban.
“For years, the Department of ICT has been working with various social media platforms to address cybersecurity issues. However, with the worrying increase in fraud, distribution of illegal goods, human trafficking, disinformation and cyberharassment, it is clear that firm action is needed,” Matainaho said.
“This was announced yesterday by the Ministry of ICT, and I reiterate that we are finalizing a concept note on social media policy to address these challenges.”
However, PNG’s plan goes further than Australia’s ban, as it will also require mandatory digital identification for all adults if they wish to interact with certain social media platforms. Additionally, any social media platform “intending to benefit our people” will need to be registered in PNG.
Matainaho expects a first version of the policy to be ready by January 2025, followed by a consultation period.
“Social media is not just a platform – it is a PLACE where many illegal and unethical activities frequently converge. Should we continue to allow our children and vulnerable populations full access to such places? » » said Matainaho.
“It’s time to build a safer online community for all Papua New Guineans. »
