6 Jul 2016

Vanuatu Public Service Commission defends social media ban

1:39 pm on 6 July 2016

The Public Service Commission in Vanuatu is insisting that it fully supports freedom of expression despite its ban on social media.

The Commission said it was clamping down on public servants' access to websites such as Facebook and Twitter after a lot of misuse.

Vanuatu's Public Service Commission responded to criticism that its social media ban amounted to censorship that could stifle public debate.

In a media release the PSC said public servants will still be able to access information such as appropriate news from news websites and to express their views on issues via email.

Social media

Social media Photo: 123RF

But it said it would not tolerate unneccesary use of social media that could hamper the quality of services being delivered to the people of Vanuatu.

It said it has proof of an increasing use of social media during working hours by public servants, and is emphasising the importance of efficiency and effectiveness.