Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, has expressed interest in adopting Australia’s recent legislation that bans children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. This landmark law, approved by the Australian Parliament last Thursday, will take effect in the next year and mandates social media companies like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) to implement age-verification measures, or they may incur fines of up to AUD$50 million (approximately FJ$74.7 million). Notably, gaming and messaging applications are exempt from this requirement.
Despite facing backlash from technology firms regarding the insufficient consultation before its passage, this legislation represents a significant global initiative aimed at regulating minors’ access to social media.
Kamikamica emphasized the importance of Fiji keeping pace with digital advancements, particularly to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on children. “This law is worth considering. It is on the agenda for discussion by the National Pornography Taskforce,” he stated, hinting at additional actions that may be discussed in the future.
The National Pornography Taskforce, which Kamikamica co-chairs, plans to convene after the current parliamentary session to explore various measures, although specific initiatives have not been disclosed. Additionally, Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Children and Social Protection, highlighted the crucial role of parental responsibility, insisting that while laws are important, the well-being of children must be a priority for parents.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is also examining the new Australian law, with Chairperson Pravesh Sharma indicating that a comprehensive evaluation will lead to an official statement later in the week. Minister Lynda Tabuya, who co-chairs the National Pornography Taskforce, has yet to provide her insights on this development.
As Fiji considers adopting similar measures, it signals a proactive approach to ensure the safety and mental well-being of children in the digital landscape. This initiative could foster a healthier online environment, contributing to positive outcomes for the younger generation.
In summary, Fiji’s exploration of Australia’s social media age restriction laws reflects an increasing awareness of the need to protect children in an interconnected world. With further discussions on the horizon, there is potential for significant legislative reform aimed at safeguarding youth in the digital age.
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