Cybercrime reports overwhelming, RPNGC tells Parliamentary Committee

The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications convened a multi-agency hearing at the Parliament’s State Function Room in Waigani to review updates on 40 parliamentary-endorsed recommendations aimed at modernising communications laws and enhancing digital safety. During the proceedings, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) reported to the committee that the volume of cybercrime reports has become overwhelming. In response to the growing digital threats, the police force urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) alongside other relevant authorities to bolster existing legislation and build institutional capacity.

Running parallel to the digital safety discussions, related developments highlighted broader governance and information challenges in the region. The DICT separately advanced a push for a physical media literacy strategy to enhance how citizens consume and interpret media. Meanwhile, the civil society group Act Now PNG released its DDA Watch Annual Report, warning that district transparency has deteriorated further as the country approaches the 2027 National General Elections. The watchdog noted that government agencies have ignored repeated requests for information, leaving citizens unable to access essential accountability documents regarding district spending.