Fiji’s government, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica, has announced a comprehensive review of the Online Safety Act 2018. This decision underscores the nation’s commitment to addressing the growing challenges and potential harms posed by the digital world. Originally hailed as a groundbreaking piece of legislation, the Online Safety Act was designed to tackle issues such as cyberbullying and image-based abuse. However, despite the Act’s requirement for a biannual review, it has not been reassessed since its inception six years ago.
In his parliamentary address, Kamikamica stressed the urgent need to update the legislation, which he described as having stagnated without the necessary biennial evaluations. The government plans to prioritize the review process by collaborating with the Fiji Law Reform Commission, the Attorney General’s Office, and other relevant ministries. This collaborative effort will include extensive national consultations to ensure comprehensive input from citizens and stakeholders.
The review aims to expand and clarify the Act’s provisions by refining definitions, introducing new categories of offenses, and strengthening regulatory powers and penalties. There is also an intent to broaden the scope of online harms covered under the law, ensuring enhanced protection for Fiji’s citizens, particularly its most vulnerable populations, from the evolving threats present in the digital space.
This initiative aligns with previous government efforts to create a robust legal framework that can effectively manage the challenges posed by cybercrime and abuse. Past discussions within the government have highlighted an urgent need for reforms to strengthen child protection against online threats like exploitation and pornography.
The move to review and possibly amend the Online Safety Act reflects a broader national strategy aimed at upgrading Fiji’s digital resilience and security, ensuring the legal framework is both current and effective in protecting citizens from online harms. By focusing on both legislative reform and public education, the government seeks to foster a safer online environment, promote responsible digital behavior, and build trust in Fiji’s commitment to cybersecurity. This strategic shift not only promises stronger defenses against digital threats but also aims to empower citizens to engage more safely and responsibly in the digital world.