Fiji is planning to send a study mission to Australia next year to examine the impact of a new law that bans social media use for children under the age of 16. The law, set to be implemented in December, requires service providers to either block or remove accounts held by users below the specified age. This move comes as Fiji aims to bolster online safety and the protection of children.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, emphasized that Fiji is observing Australia’s initiative as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection in the digital realm. The study will assess the effectiveness of the ban’s enforcement, the technology used for age verification, its impact on children, and the supporting legal frameworks in Australia.
Opposition Member of Parliament, Faiyaz Koya, has urged Fiji to swiftly implement similar child-protection measures, using Australia as a model. He stressed that some laws, especially those relating to child protection, could be enacted without waiting for extensive legislative processes.
The initiative underlines a broader review of Fiji’s online safety laws, alongside proposed amendments to the Online Safety Act 2018, ensuring that the legislation remains effective against emerging digital threats. This aligns with the proactive steps Fiji has been taking, including the formation of a national task force in collaboration with UNICEF and the Fiji Police, aimed at tackling increasing cases of online exploitation and abuse.
Kamikamica stated that the task force has been actively working, and the Police have already established an online child sexual exploitation and abuse unit. This reflects Fiji’s commitment to building necessary capacities and tools to address these challenges.
The focus on online safety echoes a global trend where countries are increasingly prioritizing the protection of youth in digital environments. As Fiji considers similar measures, the effort aligns with broader discussions about balancing technological advances with safety regulations, especially for vulnerable populations like children.
This development not only shows a commitment to the well-being of young users in the digital age but also highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing these complex issues. Through careful assessment and adaptation of best practices from other countries, Fiji aspires to create a safer digital space for its younger generations.