Archive · 3 Oct 2025
Papua New Guinea Considers Social Media Age Restrictions, Sparks Debate
Papua New Guinea is thinking about making rules for social media to keep people safe online.
They might require people over 14 to use a digital ID to use platforms like Facebook.
The government says this is to stop bad things like fake news and scams.
Some people worry this could stop people from sharing their opinions.
This idea is similar to what some other countries are doing.
Recently, the government temporarily shut down Facebook to see how to control what people say online.
Australia is set to restrict social media for those under 16.
Nepal's government tried to ban social media which resulted in protests.
Papua New Guinea is discussing age restrictions on social media platforms.
The new policy requires users 14 and over to have a digital ID to access platforms.
The government aims to combat online abuse, fake news, and scams.
Concerns have been raised about potential censorship and the impact on free speech.
Australia is also curbing social media usage for those under 16.
- Who
- Papua New Guinea government
- What
- Considering social media age restrictions and monitoring
- When
- Policy will be taken to parliament this month
- Where
- Papua New Guinea
- Why
- To address online abuse, fake news, and scams
Critics of Regulation
Government View
Impact on Free Speech
Critics of Regulation
Heavy-handed regulations may silence voices and hinder expression.
Government View
Regulations are needed to protect users from harmful content.
Government Oversight
Critics of Regulation
There is concern about government overreach and potential censorship.
Government View
Government seeks to control online content.
- Policy Name
- Social Media Policy 2025
- Age Restriction
- Users 14 and older will need a digital ID
- Platforms Targeted
- Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X
- Government's Goal
- To stop online abuse, fake news, and scams
- Location of discussions
- Meta
- Other countries considering this
- Australia, Britain, Norway, and EU countries