The Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Welfare has raised alarms about the increasing incidents of AI-generated abuse aimed at women and girls, prompting numerous requests for intervention to remove unauthorized images. Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran, indicated that the Ministry is collaborating closely with the Fiji Police Force and the Online Safety team to combat this rising issue and eliminate harmful content from digital platforms.
Kiran acknowledged the challenges posed by the rapid and expansive use of artificial intelligence, complicating efforts to maintain control over such abuses. She highlighted the crucial need for enhanced education in digital literacy and online safety to protect young individuals from potential online threats. The Ministry is actively engaged with the Ministry of Communications to formulate a national AI policy, while also reviewing existing online safety laws aimed at strengthening regulations and holding offenders accountable.
In her remarks, Kiran stressed the importance of guiding young people on the responsible usage of digital devices. “Images shared carelessly online can be misused,” she affirmed, pointing to ongoing efforts to limit access to harmful content while ensuring the safety of women and children.
Echoing these sentiments, Minister for Communications Ioane Naivalurua emphasized the necessity of a collaborative approach to tackle these persistent challenges. He noted that while new technologies, including AI, offer significant benefits, they also introduce serious risks that must be addressed collectively at both government and community levels.
Naivalurua urged the public to engage in consultations, emphasizing that community feedback is vital in shaping effective responses to the challenges posed by emerging technologies. This collaborative framework aims not only to enhance safety and awareness but also to foster a more robust digital environment for future generations.
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