Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jr., has directed the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) to fully enforce a National Executive Council (NEC) decision requiring the blocking of pornographic and other unsuitable online content across Papua New Guinea.

The Minister announced that on May 8, 2026, he issued a 30-day directive to NICTA to implement NEC Decision No. 265/2023, which was originally approved in September 2023 but has yet to be fully carried out.

Minister Tsiamalili expressed concern over the delay in implementation.

“I am extremely concerned that implementation has not been fully carried out.”

Under the directive, NICTA, in collaboration with the Office of Censorship, must ensure that all identified unsuitable websites, online services, and harmful digital content are comprehensively blocked through all licensed internet service providers within the next 30 days.

The directive specifically targets pornography, violent material, harmful content, and other online services considered unsuitable for minors and vulnerable groups.

Minister Tsiamalili said the government’s action is aimed at strengthening online safety rather than introducing unnecessary censorship.

“Please be assured that this is not about arbitrary censorship. This is about protecting children, vulnerable groups, and strengthening cyber safety in our country.”

He also directed that the implementation process be conducted transparently, with public accountability measures in place to maintain trust and confidence in the policy.

“The Government’s directive is clear: after more than two years, full implementation must now be delivered.”

The NEC decision was first approved in September 2023 as part of the government’s wider efforts to regulate harmful online content and improve digital safety standards in Papua New Guinea.