Fiji is set to dispatch a study mission to Australia next year to investigate the effects of a new law banning social media use for children under the age of 16. Scheduled for implementation in December, the legislation mandates service providers to block or eliminate accounts for users below this age threshold. This endeavor reflects Fiji’s intent to enhance online safety and safeguard children in the digital world.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, noted that Fiji is closely monitoring Australia’s initiative as part of their continuous efforts to bolster child protection in the online sphere. The study will scrutinize the law’s enforcement effectiveness, age verification technology, its implications on youth, and Australia’s supporting legal structures.
Opposition Member of Parliament, Faiyaz Koya, has called for Fiji to promptly implement analogous child-protection strategies, using Australia’s framework as a benchmark. He emphasized the urgency of enacting certain laws, particularly those concerning child safety, without prolonging through extensive legislative processes.
This initiative coincides with a broader reassessment of Fiji’s online safety statutes, including proposed modifications to the Online Safety Act 2018, ensuring that the regulations stay robust against new digital threats. This is aligned with Fiji’s proactive measures, such as forming a national task force in collaboration with UNICEF and the Fiji Police to combat rising instances of online exploitation and abuse.
Kamikamica mentioned that the task force has been active, and the Police have already set up an online child sexual exploitation and abuse unit. This engagement underscores Fiji’s dedication to developing essential capacities and tools to tackle these issues.
The focus on online safety mirrors a global movement where nations prioritize protecting young individuals in digital settings. As Fiji contemplates similar actions, this initiative aligns with broader discussions regarding the balance between technological advancements and safety regulations, particularly for vulnerable groups like children.
This progression signifies a strong commitment to ensuring young users’ safety in the digital age and underscores the significance of international cooperation in addressing these intricate challenges. By methodically assessing and assimilating best practices from other countries, Fiji aspires to establish a safer digital environment for its youth.