BEGINNING in July 2026, citizens in Papua New Guinea are expected to be able to claim their electronic National ID (eNID) through SevisWallet, as part of the government's broader digital identity rollout. The initiative is designed to let people securely receive and use their digital identity from a mobile device instead of relying solely on a physical ID.
The Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jr, MP, and the Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere, MP, today announced that their respective ministries are working together to streamline efforts to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s digital identity ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, the Civil Registry will facilitate a secure, citizen-consent based integration between the National Identification Database and SevisWallet. This will enable citizens whose records are held within the NID database, currently numbering approximately 4.2 million, to claim their NID in digital form as an eNID Verifiable Credential.
The Ministers confirmed that the eNID Verifiable Credential will be available through SevisWallet from 21 July 2026.
They emphasized that citizen consent is central to the design and implementation of this integration. Identity information will not be transferred or used without the consent of the
citizen and this is consistent with both the Civil Identity and Registry Act and the Digital Government Act. The SevisWallet App will provide citizens with a secure and convenient way to claim, store and use their eNID Credential in digital form.
Once available, citizens will be able to store their eNID Verifiable Credential in SevisWallet alongside other trusted digital credentials, including SevisPass and Police Clearance Certificates. Citizens who claim their eNID Credential will also be able to upgrade their SevisPass to Tier 2, enabling access to more digital services, including financial services and other regulated services requiring stronger identity verification.
Minister Tsiamalili Jr said the initiative is an important step in building Papua New Guinea’s national trust infrastructure.
“SevisWallet will allow citizens to carry trusted digital credentials in a secure, consent-based and convenient way. This will reduce reliance on physical documents, improve access to services, and support stronger participation in the digital economy.”
Minister Masere said the Civil Registry remains the custodian of civil identity records and will continue to safeguard the integrity of the NID database.
“By enabling citizens to claim their NID in digital form through SevisWallet, we are improving service delivery while maintaining the authority and integrity of the Civil Registry.”
The ministers further confirmed that the next step will be to utilise eNID and SevisWallet to support the update of the Electoral Roll, in close consultation with the Electoral Commission and relevant authorities.
The Government encourages citizens to start downloading the SevisWallet App in advance, now available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, in preparation for the eNID Verifiable Credential becoming available from 21 July 2026.
The National Executive Council (NEC) has endorsed the National Social Media Policy 2025.
The Social Media Policy provides a comprehensive framework to ensure that social media use is safe, responsible, and aligned with our national values.
It introduces clear rules for user accountability and responsibility, including age restrictions, safeguards for children and vulnerable groups, measures to combat misinformation and disinformation, and requirements for platform accountability.
The policy will require that all citizens, aged 14 -16 and above, to use the impending digital ID infrastructure to access social media, ensuring safe and secure online participation. This will be complemented by a social media classification framework to guide access and content standards for users of different age groups.
With NEC’s endorsement, immediate implementation will focus on:
● Establishment of a National e-Safety Directorate – a dedicated entity to monitor harmful content, manage
misinformation and disinformation, and promote safe digital practices.
● Formation of an Interim Inter-Agency Taskforce – comprising the Department of ICT, NICTA, Office of Censorship, Royal PNG Constabulary, and Department of Justice & Attorney General to oversee the first phase of implementation.
● Mandatory Digital ID Integration – introduction of SevisPass as the required digital ID credential for accessing social media platforms, strengthening online accountability.
● Platform Accountability – all social media platforms operating in PNG will be required to legally register, comply with PNG laws, and route their traffic through the national Internet Exchange Point (IXP) to ensure transparency and oversight.
● Awareness and Education Programs – nationwide digital literacy and e-safety campaigns to equip citizens, particularly young people, with the knowledge and skills to navigate online spaces responsibly.
The Policy also provides enforcement measures, including penalties for cyber harassment, defamation, and the spread of misinformation.
Social media is a powerful tool for communication, education, and national development, but it also presents
risks such as online abuse, fake news, and exploitation of vulnerable users.
This Policy strikes the right balance by upholding freedom of expression while ensuring safety, decency, and accountability online.
1 COMMENT
How can we access a copy of this policy?
Is there a link?
How can we access a copy of this policy?
Is there a link?
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