PNG Digital ID to Help Track Fake Facebook Users

 Efforts to curb fake Facebook accounts and anonymous online attacks in Papua New Guinea are set to receive a boost through the Government’s new Sevis PNG Digital ID platform.

Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says the system will help law enforcement agencies and regulators verify the identities of internet users, addressing a long-standing challenge in the enforcement of cybercrime legislation.

Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr

The matter was brought before Parliament by Wewak MP Stanley Samban, who warned that fake social media accounts were increasingly being used to spread false information and target individuals with online abuse.

Mr Samban said the misuse of social media was affecting public trust and social cohesion, with many people becoming victims of cyberbullying and character attacks carried out by anonymous users.

He noted that members of Parliament and their families had also been subjected to harassment online and called for stronger action against fraudulent Facebook accounts.

Responding to the concerns, Mr Tsiamalili said tracing account holders had often proved difficult because authorities lacked reliable identity verification tools.

He revealed that the Government had previously proposed to Meta that Facebook account holders in PNG be required to use a National Identification card or driver’s licence when creating accounts. However, the company advised that privacy requirements limited the possibility of introducing such measures.

Mr Tsiamalili said the Sevis PNG Digital ID platform now provides an alternative solution by allowing citizens to establish secure digital identities through biometric verification.

The Minister added that discussions were underway to integrate the Digital ID system into the telecommunications sector, including SIM card registration, making it easier to identify users involved in cybercrime and online abuse.

He encouraged the public and members of Parliament to register for the Sevis PNG application, which also provides access to services such as SevisPass credentials, SevisWallet, electronic police clearance applications and other identity verification functions.

“The discussions with Meta is that they find it for us when we recommended to Meta that for us to better manage the identity of our Facebook users, we would like for you to impose as a prerequisite in registering online if you could use either a driver’s license of PNG or an NID of PNG,” he said.