Fiji does not have specific legislation for personal data protection, according to the report The State of Artificial Intelligence in the Pacific Islands released by the AI Asia Pacific Institute based in Singapore.
However, the report states Fiji has the right to personal privacy, including the confidentiality of personal information that is protected under Clause 24 of the 2013 Constitution.
The report adds several sector-specific laws address the unauthorised disclosure of personal or client information, that includes the Banking Act of 1995, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service Act of 1998, the Medical and Dental Practitioner Act of 2010, Rules of Professional Conduct and Practice of the Legal Practitioners Act of 2009 and Cybercrime Act of 2021.
“In March 2024, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications announced the country’s plans to establish a framework to safeguard internet users against AI threats,” states the report.
“Aligning with a broader cybersecurity strategy, the plan aims to incorporate AI governance to enhance national security.
“While Fiji intends to develop this using its own technology resources, potential support from other countries will be sought if necessary.”
The report states in December 2023, the Fiji Government’s Cabinet approved the development of a National Digital Strategy.
The Cabinet announcement stated that the National Digital Strategy “will lay out a coordinated approach to scale digital technology to drive economic growth and sustainable development”.
