There are fears Tonga's planned new laws, ostensibly to tackle online abuse, are a device to stop public servants criticising the government.
Tonga's government has introduced new legislation it says aims to tackle online abuse and cyber crime.
The Prime Minster Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa says they want to make it an offence to post content that's offensive, threatening, defamatory and causes distress.
He told local media that people are being bullied and intimidated on social media but attempts by RNZ Pacific to have the government clarify their intentions were ignored.
Our correspondent, Kalafi Moala, believes the government has a far different intention to what the prime minister has claimed.
He spoke with Don Wiseman who began by asking to what extent online abuse is a problem.
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