Facebook restriction lifted

The restriction on Facebook use in the last 48 hours was lifted today, following a sudden control and limited use of the social media platform.

While this restriction has been lifted, some users are still unable to access their Facebook accounts, while others are doing so through a VPN or Virtual Private Network.

This has attracted criticism from the public, the opposition, and those who rely on Facebook for business and pleasure to condemn this act taken by the government through the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

The act of restricting the use of Facebook was done in silence until the public took it to the attention of relevant authorities, who saw statements released from the regulator of Information, Communication and Technology, clearly unaware of Facebook inaccessibility.

NICTA CEO, Kila Gulo Vui, said that while national security is important, there needs to be better teamwork between different agencies to make sure things are clear, transparent, and don't harm public trust. He pointed out that in the last 48 hours, people have been left with many questions.

Police Commissioner David Manning said that the police are currently working on catching two men who are linked to plans to carry out a terrorist attack. The police already know who they are.

Manning explained that the police have identified the suspects, one being a local citizen and the other an expatriate. They are now freezing the suspects' bank accounts and confiscating their funds as part of the investigation.

This situation has also shown how the new Counter-Terrorism Act 2024 is being used. The law, which was passed last year to help the police deal with ongoing tribal violence in Enga province, is now giving the police more power.

People, including members of parliament, have now realized that the law allows the police to work directly with internet service providers, which could limit people's freedom of speech if it leads to terrorism.

The recent restrictions were based on sections 14 to 18 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024 and Section 72 of the National Information and Communication Technology Act 2009.