Legislation that would prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year, as the Government accelerates work on online safety reforms.
The Social Media Age Deferment Taskforce met in Suva today to advance preparations for the proposed Bill, which would introduce a minimum social media access age of 16 in Fiji.
Minister for Information said discussions centred on finalising the taskforce’s Terms of Reference and progressing the legislative framework ahead of its anticipated presentation to Parliament.
Tabuya said Fiji is drawing lessons from countries such as Australia that have moved to tighten social media access for children, while ensuring any legislation introduced is suited to Fiji’s own social and cultural environment.
The proposed law has the backing of the Online Safety Commission and the Fiji Law Reform Commission, both of which reaffirmed their commitment to helping deliver the Bill this year.
Online Safety Commission Commissioner and Fiji Law Reform Commission Director said they will continue working closely with Government to develop the legislation.
The taskforce includes representatives from the Online Safety Commission, Fiji Law Reform Commission, Fiji Police Force, the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Information, under the mandate of the Office of the Prime Minister.
If passed by Parliament, the legislation would mark one of Fiji’s most significant online safety reforms, aimed at protecting children from harmful content, cyberbullying and other risks associated with social media use.
