Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) agenda took centre stage as the government marked Safer Internet Day 2026 in February, with Acting Information and Communications Technology Minister Peter L. Tsiamalili Jr. reaffirming ICT and AI as critical drivers of economic growth and public sector reform.
In a press statement, the minister described digital transformation as a core pillar of the country’s long-term development strategy, linking safer internet practices to broader governance, innovation and service delivery reforms.
“As Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, I reaffirm the Prime Minister’s declaration during the Digital Transformation Summit 2025 for Papua New Guinea to fully embrace digital transformation — that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will drive the nation’s next 50 years of development, growth and public sector reform,” Tsiamalili said.
Reset@50 and Digital Government Plan 2023–2027
Tsiamalili said the government’s Reset@50 agenda provides a roadmap for leveraging technology to improve accountability and efficiency across all levels of government.
“The Government’s Reset@50 agenda sets the pathway toward ensuring accountability, transparency and impact by leveraging AI to help PNG leapfrog traditional capacity constraints and deliver more efficient, evidence-driven governance across all levels of government,” he said.
He also highlighted the Digital Government Plan 2023–2027 as a comprehensive strategy to modernise public sector services through digital transformation.
For the business community, the policy direction signals increased digitisation of government services, data-driven governance and expanded use of AI — reforms expected to reshape regulatory processes, compliance systems and public service delivery.
This year’s Safer Internet Day theme, “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI,” reflects growing attention to the governance of emerging technologies.
Balancing innovation and risk
Tsiamalili emphasised the government’s regulatory role in balancing innovation with risk management.
“It is the duty of the Government to protect, promote, monitor and set guidelines to create an enabling environment for all users to be responsible while using social media for developmental purposes, and to guard against cyber threats to ensure national security,” he said.
Rising social media use and associated risks
The minister noted the rapid growth in social media usage in Papua New Guinea and its increasing role in communication, commerce and public engagement.
“Social media has become an integral part of communication, information dissemination and public engagement. In recent times, Papua New Guinea’s social media accessibility rate has increased significantly,” he said.
Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn now play a key role in connecting individuals and businesses and facilitating access to government services.
However, he cautioned that the rapid evolution of social media — including the integration of AI — has introduced risks such as privacy breaches, misinformation, online harassment, hate speech, data security threats and platform abuse.
For businesses operating in the digital space, these developments point to tightening compliance expectations around data protection, cybersecurity and responsible AI deployment.
PNG Social Media Policy 2025
In response to these challenges, the Marape–Rosso government has introduced policy measures to strengthen digital governance.
“To address these challenges, the Marape–Rosso Government has taken proactive steps through the Papua New Guinea Social Media Policy 2025. The goal of this policy is to promote safe use of social media platforms while maintaining our cultural and Christian values as we continue to adapt to technological advancements,” Tsiamalili said.
He called for shared responsibility across sectors.
“I encourage all Papua New Guineans to take ownership of this policy and be accountable so that we can create a safe social media environment. Let us work together to embrace technological advancement and contribute positively to the development of our country,” he said.
The Safer Internet Day commemoration was led by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Information and Communications Technology Authority and the National Broadcasting Corporation.
“In commemorating Safer Internet Day, the Government of PNG acknowledges the importance of collective responsibility in building a safer and more responsible digital Papua New Guinea,” Tsiamalili said.
He also commended the government’s support for ICT sector reforms, referencing the Pacific ICT Ministers’ Dialogue and endorsement of the Lagatoi Declaration as important milestones in PNG’s digital trajectory.
“I commend the Government for its leadership in supporting ICT sector reform and advancing key digital programmes to better serve Papua New Guineans,” he said.
As PNG advances its digital government agenda, greater integration of AI, stronger social media governance and an increased focus on cybersecurity are expected to have far-reaching implications for businesses, investors and the broader economy.
