Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, has expressed interest in Australia’s new legislation aimed at regulating children’s access to social media. Passed by the Australian Parliament last Thursday, this groundbreaking law mandates that major social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) implement age-verification systems for users under 16 or face hefty fines reaching AUD$50 million (FJ$74.7 million). However, gaming and messaging platforms are exempt from these requirements.
While the law has been met with criticism from tech companies, which argue that the legislation was enacted without adequate consultation, it represents a significant attempt by Australia to safeguard young people’s online experiences.
In response to Australia’s initiative, Kamikamica indicated that Fiji is contemplating similar measures to mitigate the potentially harmful effects of social media on children. He shared that this legislation is on the agenda for discussion within the National Pornography Taskforce, of which he is a co-chair, and he hinted at additional actions being explored in the future.
Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Children and Social Protection, welcomed these discussions but emphasized the vital role of parental responsibility in ensuring children’s well-being. Meanwhile, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is currently reviewing the Australian law, and its chairperson, Pravesh Sharma, has promised a detailed statement following their research.
The dialogue around social media regulation in Fiji represents a proactive approach to addressing child safety in the digital realm. As the conversation unfolds, there is hope that constructive solutions will emerge, promoting a safer online environment for children while encouraging parental involvement and awareness.
This initiative reflects a growing global recognition of the need to protect young users in increasingly digital societies. It illuminates the path toward a balanced approach that prioritizes safety while fostering responsible use of technology among youth.
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