The government has warned it will not hesitate to shut down social media applications and sites if there is continuous abuse and misuse of social media spreading fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in the country. Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Timothy Masiu, issued the warning citing significant evidence of serious abuse of social media spreading false information that led to destruction of properties in Port Moresby and parts of the country resulting also in deaths. “I have a statutory power under the National Information and Communication Technology Act 2009, to restrict access to social media sites and applications if this continues. “The Ministry of ICT has observed a sharp spike in the use of social media from the 10th of this month and many are misinformation and disinformation, and we will now give ten days effective yesterday, the 15th of January for people to adhere or face a complete shutdown of social media sites and applications for the duration of the State of Emergency.” He further stated that the discussions on social media that incite violence, destruction, spread of false information or confidential government information, opinions that are wrong or sends false information or are hearsay and defamatory, will be monitored and legal action taken immediately. Minister Masiu said national security, public emergency and public safety is critical to a secured nation and happy and safe country and urges all to work together to bring back normalcy to the country after a week of mayhem and destruction especially in Port Moresby. “I have instructed the agencies under my ministry to strengthen monitoring and report any abuses of social media to the police cybercrime unit to begin investigations, arrest and prosecution and also take down fake accounts and sites.” He said Papua New Guinea is a civilized country and citizens must abide by rules and laws and every citizen has a duty and obligation to ensure we progress to be a better country. He has also consulted with the ICT industry to ensure the safe and secure use of the internet and to work closely with my ministry and the regulator NICTA to ensure a safe and secure internet for the nation.