Papua New Guinea (PNG) is grappling with a surge in sophisticated online scams, with prominent figures like former television host Jennifer Baing falling victim to AI-manipulated images used for fraudulent purposes. Baing recently discovered fabricated photos of herself in revealing attire, created by artificial intelligence using images from her social media. These deepfakes were then employed to promote fake giveaways, enticing people to send money with false promises of winning prizes.
“It’s happening to everybody,” Ms. Baing stated, expressing concern over the widespread abuse of personal images and public profiles by scammers and impersonators. Her experience highlights a growing problem that PNG is seeking to address through new legislation aimed at criminalizing the malicious use of AI technologies, including deepfakes, voice cloning, and digital impersonation.
AI Scams Exploit Public Figures and Ordinary Citizens
Ms. Baing, who has cultivated a significant online following by promoting traditional food and agriculture, identified nearly 100 Facebook accounts using her name and likeness. Some of these accounts mimicked her social media profiles, while others utilized AI-generated images of her distributing cash to advertise fraudulent giveaways. The implications extend beyond reputational damage, as Ms. Baing voiced fears for her personal safety should victims of these scams seek retribution.
“I’m concerned about my safety as well because if that person’s really scammed someone out of a lot of money, they’re going to come after me,” she explained. “So my personal safety is also at risk.” Despite her repeated efforts to report these fake accounts, they remain active on the platform.
The daughter of former Markham MP Andrew Baing, she is preparing to contest her father’s former seat in the 2028 national election. This political ambition adds another layer to her concerns, as she anticipates that AI-generated content could be weaponized to mislead voters, particularly in rural areas with limited awareness of such technologies.
“We have to run awareness [campaigns] in communities where people aren’t educated enough to understand exactly what AI is,” Ms. Baing urged. “Don’t believe everything that somebody shows you online. They could do this to your daughter. They could do this to one of your family members as well.”
Pacific Nations Strengthen Cybercrime Laws Amidst Rising Threats
Papua New Guinea is not an isolated case; nations across the Pacific are actively reviewing and updating their cybercrime legislation to combat increasingly prevalent online offenses. Governments are enhancing digital security measures in response to escalating scams, impersonation tactics, and online exploitation.
Several countries, including Fiji, Tonga, PNG, and Vanuatu, have ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, an international agreement designed to facilitate cross-border investigations into cyber offenses and the acquisition of digital evidence. Samoa, for instance, established a dedicated cybercrime police unit last year, though its legal framework is still evolving. The country currently lacks a specific cybercrime law, with prosecutions occurring under the broader Crimes Act. Recognizing these legislative gaps, the Samoan government has prioritized updating its laws as part of its 2026 National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Vanuatu took steps last year to amend its Harmful Digital Communications Act, introducing more stringent penalties for online abuse, digital impersonation, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. PNG’s proposed reforms aim to be even more comprehensive by specifically addressing the malicious application of AI.
Proposed PNG Legislation Targets AI Misuse
The forthcoming amendments to PNG’s Cybercrime Code Act, expected when parliament reconvenes in November, are set to criminalize several AI-driven activities. These include the creation of AI-generated sexually explicit material, child exploitation content, fraudulent voice cloning, online scams, and digital impersonation. This proactive legal approach seeks to stay ahead of technological advancements being exploited for criminal purposes.
Law Enforcement Faces Challenges in Combating Cybercrime
Despite legislative efforts, law enforcement agencies in PNG are struggling to keep pace with the sheer volume of cybercrime. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hodges Ette reported a significant increase in cybercrime complaints over the last five years, describing them as a “daily complaint” received across various police levels.
However, the PNG Cybercrime Unit is severely understaffed, with only seven officers responsible for investigating offenses nationwide, serving a population of approximately 10 million. “That is insufficient,” Assistant Commissioner Ette emphasized.
To mitigate the overwhelming workload, police are redirecting less complex online offenses to local police stations, allowing specialist investigators to concentrate on more serious cybercrime cases. Investigators are increasingly encountering AI-generated deepfakes, with Assistant Commissioner Ette recounting a disturbing example:
- An image initially showing three fully clothed girls was later re-circulated with the same individuals depicted naked, an apparent AI manipulation.
Cases involving AI-generated sexual imagery are a growing concern for investigators, underscoring the urgent need for both robust legal frameworks and effective enforcement.
Psychological Toll and Community Awareness Gaps
The psychological impact of cybercrime on victims can be profound. Assistant Commissioner Ette highlighted instances where young women have reportedly committed suicide due to the severe mental stress caused by online abuse and exploitation. He stressed the critical need for enhanced victim support services, including accessible counseling, in conjunction with stronger legal deterrents.
“It’s frightening. I am a father of two girls,” he shared, illustrating the personal anxiety many parents feel regarding online safety. “I’m always apprehensive when I open Facebook.”
Colm Gannon, who leads the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children Australia, noted that many Pacific communities still underestimate the risks associated with AI. “People do not think within the Pacific Islands that it’s going to affect their day-to-day wellbeing,” he observed. “What we’re seeing is AI becoming a commodity where young people, sometimes without realising it, are being sexually exploited and made vulnerable online.”
Gannon advocates for a victim-centered approach, urging collaboration between governments and technology companies to expedite the removal of abusive content and provide crucial support to those affected by these evolving digital threats.
