14 Sep 2015

Digicel Tonga says internet education is key

2:38 pm on 14 September 2015

Digicel Tonga says education is the key to better internet usage in the country, rather than censorship.

The Tonga Government is conducting consultations with the private sector and community groups on a proposal to restrict internet access for Tongan youth.

But the chief executive of Digicel Tonga, Ronan McGrane, says trying to block websites is not only a futile exercise but will not change behavioural attitudes in youth.

"In our view we can certainly comply but it comes down to the education of the people of the people using the internet to understand its pros and obviously its cons. So the answer is yes but how do we actually provide that policing."

Mr McGrane says if asked to Digicel will help the government to block websites deemed undesirable for youth.

The Tongan Ministry of Internal affairs has said sites being considered for blocking include pornographic websites and some social media sites.