Fiji’s cyber laws are “a bit weak” and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica says this was an area the Government was looking into.
In an interview with the media at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort yesterday, Mr Kamikamica said there was a lot of misinformation and nasty things happening on social media.
“The Online Service Commission has the responsibility to talk to the social media companies,” he said.
“But right now, the laws of the Online Service Commission are a bit weak, so that will be another area that we will be looking at.” Mr Kamikamica said although social media technology was wonderful, it came with its challenges.
“And as a responsible Government, we have to be balanced in our approach, but more importantly, protect the welfare and well-being of our citizens.
“So that is why some of these issues around banning Facebook and maybe YouTube for under-16, and looking at misinformation laws, might be worthwhile having a serious consideration over the next 12 months.”
Meanwhile, Online Safety Commissioner Filipe Batiwale acknowledged Mr Kamikamica’s comments, adding the agency was “under-funded”. “And we have received $1.5million for the current financial year,” he said.
“We have a huge responsibility again to ensure that we promote online safety, and we carry out awareness and campaigns throughout the country.
“It is a huge responsibility, and it comes with a huge cost as well to the taxpayers.”
Mr Batiwale and Mr Kamikamica are part of the inaugural Pacific Cyber Capacity Building Coordination Conference that ends on Thursday.
The conference brings together cybersecurity leaders and policymakers from all the members of the Pacific Islands Forum to discuss the future of cybersecurity and capacity building in the region.