AI Abuse in PNG Sparks Push for Social Media Regulation

 Papua New Guinea is facing increasing pressure to tighten control over digital platforms following a tragic suicide in East New Britain linked to online sextortion driven by artificial intelligence.

The incident has brought renewed attention to the growing misuse of AI in PNG, where offenders are using technology to generate fake explicit images and blackmail victims, particularly targeting young women on social media.

AI Abuse in PNG Sparks Push for Social Media Regulation/Photo by NICTA

Authorities from the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) say the case highlights serious gaps in the country’s ability to monitor and control harmful online activities.

Speaking at a joint press conference, NICTA Chief Executive Officer Polume Lume acknowledged that identifying perpetrators remains a major challenge, as many operate through fake accounts on platforms such as Facebook, which functions as a third-party service in PNG.

He said NICTA is now working towards introducing regulatory measures that would allow authorities to better track and identify users behind suspicious accounts.

“We want to create a proper regulatory framework that allows identification and tracking of fake accounts. As it is now, we don’t have that set up yet, but we are working towards it,” he said.

Mr Lume also revealed that the authority is drafting a national policy on artificial intelligence aimed at addressing both its benefits and risks, with particular focus on preventing the creation and spread of harmful digital content.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hodges Ette said collaboration between NICTA and the police, supported by an existing memorandum of understanding, is strengthening efforts to monitor cyberspace and respond to cybercrime cases.

“Collaboration between internet service providers and NICTA allows us to access those platforms through our partnership,” he said.