"Papua New Guinea is in early discussions with Meta on imposing age restrictions to reduce the impact of harmful content, amid criticism of the government's heavy-handed approach so far on social media regulation. The government expects its proposed Social Media Policy 2025 will be taken to parliament later this month. Under the policy, users aged 14 and over will need a SevisPass digital ID before they can log in to platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and X."
"Meta did not respond to a request for comment. The proposed restrictions come as PNG's southern neighbour, Australia, prepares to roll out its long-anticipated under-16s social media ban. Governments and tech firms are closely watching Australia's efforts, which will likely rely on artificial intelligence and behavioural data to estimate the age of users, and not conduct blanket age-verification."
"Attempts to regulate online content and platforms has driven public concern in PNG about access to information and fears of censorship. On paper it sounds like protection, but in reality it could silence people who rely on Facebook or TikTok to speak out, Jonathan Makil, a political science student at the University of Papua New Guinea, said."
Papua New Guinea plans to implement a Social Media Policy 2025 requiring users aged 14 and over to hold a SevisPass digital ID before accessing platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. Social media companies must register in PNG, comply with local laws, and a national e-Safety Directorate will be established to monitor harmful content. Officials are in early discussions with Meta about enforcing age verification. The government cites prevention of online abuse, fake news and scams as motives. Australia’s upcoming under-16s social media ban is being watched for AI-based age estimation. The proposals have raised public concern about access to information and potential censorship.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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