CENSORSHIP IS NOT ABOUT SILENCING PEOPLE: MINISTER

CAPTION: Community Development, Youth and Religion, Minister Hon. Jason Peter and Chief Censor Jim Abani. Picture Supplied by Office of Censorship

By BRADLEY MARIORI

MINISTER for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Hon. Jason Peter, says National Censorship Policy III is not about silencing people.

Speaking in Lae recenty, he said the Constitution protects freedom of expression, freedom of conscience and religion, and access to information, and these rights must be respected.

“Our approach must be lawful, proportionate, transparent and risk-based,” he said.

He said the policy seeks to move from a largely reactive approach towards stronger prevention, better coordination and more effective responses to harmful content, while respecting legitimate expression and access to information.

He also called for partnership across government, private sector, churches, civil society and communities, saying no single agency can protect children from online harm alone.

He called on provincial administrations to help translate national policy into practical action through community awareness and digital literacy.

He called on business houses, telecommunications companies and internet service providers to work with the Office of Censorship on content-filtering measures, reporting mechanisms and responsible advertising.

He encouraged church leaders to help educate families and young people about responsible technology use, and asked civil society organisations to continue advocating for vulnerable groups.

“A policy on paper cannot protect our children by itself,” he said. “It will succeed only when its commitments are reflected in our laws, our institutions, our partnerships, our budgets and our everyday actions.”