Transcript
Since Tonga's prime minister and police minister threatened earlier this month to block Facebook, social media has been ablaze with protest.
But with a decision due on Friday, local firms are also raising concerns with what they say could slash their business in Tonga.
The president of Tonga's Chamber of Commerce, Paul Taumoepeau, says there's worry across the private sector.
"The Facebooks are very popular and several businesses already talked to me that they're worried about the impact that it might have on on their business, if it does come into effect, this banning thing."
The government's threat is a response to abuse on Facebook leveled at the King, as Tongans debate a contentious set of laws which would weaken his powers.
The Attorney General, Linda Folaumoetu'i, has said people behind the abuse on Facebook could face criminal charges, including treason.
She says cabinet are expected to meet on Friday and make a decision on whether to ban Facebook.
Businesses are nervously awaiting the outcome.
The manager of the Emerald Hotel and Restaurant, Maliu Mafi, says a ban would definitely have an impact on his operations.
"Especially our bookings, a lot of our bookings come through our Facebook page, either for the restaurant or for the hotel. And also when you advertise job vacancies, it's free on Facebook."
A manager at whale watching operator Deep Blue Diving, Tukia Tatafu, says low-cost advertising on Facebook has helped her business grow.
She thinks a ban is a step too far and says rather than banning it the government should take a leaf out of her book.
"People can use it for a lot of negative comments and things like that, but I don't read it. I just ignore those and when people share me things like that I just kindly ask them that it's not the sort of stuff I'm interested in."
The proposed Facebook ban comes amid what Tongan businesses describe as a worsening environment for foreign investment.
A new set of controls imposed earlier this year under the Foreign Exchange Control Act has already prompted a major hotel to pull out of the country.
And observers say although the law isn't being enforced, its passage, along with the potential blocking of Facebook, is putting investors off.
The Chamber of Commerce's Paul Taumoepeau says the government is sending an unintentionally discouraging message to businesses.
"It's not just the business impact, which is very negative, but also the social impact. Facebook, I think now, especially in more democratic countries, it's pretty much a human right."
Many Tongan businesses have already had a taste of what life without Facebook would be like.
In January, the government restricted access to the site during a 12-day internet outage.
Many complained about a loss of business.
This is Mackenzie Smith.
