FIJI’s legal framework for dealing with cyber harm is being reviewed as the country responds to the growing challenges created by an increasingly digital society.
Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga told Parliament on Wednesday last week that the Fiji Law Reform Commission was advancing its review of the Online Safety Act 2018.
The review has recently completed its final validation workshop, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback on an interim final report and draft Bill.
Mr Turaga said the review was aimed at strengthening Fiji’s legal response to harmful activity online.
“Its objective is very clear – to strengthen Fiji’s legal framework to better address cyber harm and challenges created by the increase in digital society,” he said.
“The final package is now being prepared for handover to my office this month.”
The review is one of several major law reform projects being undertaken by the commission, which also included the Mining Act 1965, Quarries Act, Security Industry Act 2010, Human Trafficking Laws and court rules.
Mr Turaga said the commission’s work reflected the need for laws to keep pace with technological and social change.
“Law reform is not simply about changing legislation for the sake of change – it is about asking more important questions.
“Are our laws still serving the people, the institutions and society they were created to serve?”
He said consultation remained a critical part of the process, with the people affected by legislation needing an opportunity to understand, question and contribute to its development.
“Good laws cannot be developed in isolation from the people who live under them.”
