As Papua New Guinea’s digital connectivity expands, the country’s ICT regulator is urging stronger cyber safety awareness, especially among children and young people, to keep pace with evolving online threats.

Speaking at the recent Safer Internet Day 2026, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), Polume Lume, said increased access to mobile internet has connected more Papua New Guineans than ever, but also exposed users to risks such as misinformation, privacy breaches, online harassment and data abuse.

According to NICTA’s National ICT Indicators Report 2025, an estimated 4.3 million mobile subscriptions were recorded in 2024, with population coverage reaching about 77 percent — a sign of rapid digital consumption across the country.

“With more children and young people encountering artificial intelligence online, they must be equipped with the skills and confidence to make safe choices.”

NICTA is promoting critical thinking and responsible social media use as key defenses against harmful online behaviour, urging parents and guardians to monitor minors in navigating digital spaces safely.

The Authority also called on the public to report illegal or inappropriate online content and to help foster a more positive online culture as connectivity continues to grow across the country.

The remarks were issued in Port Moresby to mark global Safer Internet Day activities focusing this year on safe and responsible use of AI.