PNG Considers Social Media Age Restrictions Amid Censorship Fears

PNG Considers Social Media Age Restrictions Amid Censorship Fears
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Papua New Guinea (PNG) is considering a new Social Media Policy 2025 that would mandate a SevisPass digital ID for users aged 14 and over to access platforms like Facebook and TikTok.

The government claims the policy—which also requires social media companies to register locally and sets up a new e-Safety Directorate—is necessary to combat online abuse, fake news, and scams.

However, the move has triggered widespread concern among citizens and activists. Critics argue that the government’s “heavy-handed” regulations, following a controversial temporary shutdown of Facebook earlier this year, are a threat to freedom of expression and risk “silencing” ordinary Papua New Guineans who rely on the platforms for communication, activism, and business.