Mr. Polume Lume, Acting Chief Executive Officer, NICTA
Tuesday 10 February 2026, Port Moresby. Safer Internet Day is a global movement celebrated in over 160 countries. The aim of Safer Internet Day is to promote the use of technology in a responsible, respectful, critical, and creative way, resulting in a safer and improved internet experience for consumers. On Tuesday 10th February 2026, the National information Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) proudly united with millions around the world to join the cause and inspire positive change. NICTA supports the theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’ through advocacy and advise on online safety as a reminder for all, especially for the youngest and most vulnerable, our children and young people.
As the Authority entrusted with fostering a vibrant and inclusive ICT sector in Papua New Guinea, we recognize the immense potential technology holds for transforming our nation. Drawing from our mandate and purpose, we foresee all Papua New Guineans having access to affordable and high-quality ICT services.
Connectivity is a primary enabler of inclusivity. NICTA’s National ICT Indicators Report 2025 shows the total mobile subscribers was estimated to be 4.3million as at 2024. Mobile coverage by population is estimated to be 77% as at 2024. This emphasizes the growing accessibility to mobile internet indicating that consumers are more connected than ever. While expanding connectivity is positive, it is also important to acknowledge that cyber-related risks are also evolving rapidly as PNG becomes increasingly reliant on ICT. Growing threats to individuals include privacy breaches, misinformation, online harassment, hate speech, data security, and abuse of platforms amongst others.
Everyone is talking about AI, and with many children and young people hearing about and using AI online, it’s important they have the skills and confidence to make safe choices when they are using smart technology. This Safer Internet Day we are exploring the impact of AI on all of our lives, looking at how AI can be used for good, and giving advice and guidance that empowers people to use AI safely and responsibly.
NICTA also reminds consumers to be more responsible in their use of social media and the important skill of critical thinking. Critical thinking is one’s ability to think in a logical and rational way to apply logic and reason to the ideas or information one is presented with. This allows one to arrive at a decision to act that is thought out rather than a decision that is impulsive and reactive to one’s emotions.
By applying these basic principles, we can all contribute to a safer and more responsible online space. We are all responsible for thinking critically, acting thoughtfully, and spreading positivity online.
While there is no denying that the internet is a positive tool for information, learning and connection, parents and carers must also be wary of its potential for harm on children. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure our children are empowered with tools and knowledge including critical thinking skills to help them navigate the internet safely.
Let us all reaffirm our commitment and responsibility to creating a safer online environment especially for our most vulnerable, our children and young people. Whilst we celebrate the evolving ICT market and innovation to meet consumer demand we must acknowledge the growing cyber safety risks. We urge everyone to embrace critical thinking skills to create, connect and taking action against negative online behavior by reporting any illegal or inappropriate content. Together, let’s create a safer and more positive online environment for everyone.
SaferInternetDay2026 #SID2026 #SmartTechSafeChoices #NICTAPNG #OnlineSafetyPNG #NICTAPressRelease
