CONTENT creators in Fiji are pushing for government support to monetize their online platforms.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, said while early discussions were underway, he had serious concerns about the growing trend of local creators engaging in inappropriate or hazardous behaviour online, including sexual acts and dangerous stunts, often done in pursuit of attention or money on social platforms.
“I’ve had some very broad discussions with the content creators,” Mr Kamikamica said.
“It is a legitimate business, and we just need to provide the support systems to help them.”
Before any formal consideration is made to support or monetize the sector, he stressed that certain laws governing online and social media content must be reviewed and strengthened.
“But we have to strengthen the laws first, before we can go directly into this.”
He noted that content creation had the potential to become a viable income stream and even contribute to the national economy through taxation.
“Content creation is certainly one avenue. And this would be another source of tax as well.”
Mr Kamikamica said well-known content creator, Shania Singh, recently visited his office to propose this.