Fiji to review cyber laws as officials flag harms on social media
Fiji’s cyber laws are “a bit weak,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica has said, and the government will review legislation and regulatory powers to better confront misinformation, scams and other online harms.
Speaking to media at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Kamikamica acknowledged the benefits of social media but warned of growing misinformation and “nasty things” circulating online. He said the Online Service Commission is responsible for engaging social media companies but that current laws need strengthening.
“Right now, the laws of the Online Service Commission are a bit weak, so that will be another area that we will be looking at,” Kamikamica said. He signalled that potential measures under consideration over the next 12 months include banning Facebook and possibly YouTube for under‑16s and introducing clearer rules on misinformation — all with the stated aim of balancing digital freedoms while protecting citizens’ welfare and well‑being.
Online Safety Commissioner Filipe Batiwale supported the call for change but warned the agency is under‑resourced. He confirmed the commission received $1.5 million for the current financial year and stressed the high cost of nationwide awareness and safety campaigns. “We have a huge responsibility … and it comes with a huge cost as well to the taxpayers,” he said.
Kamikica and Batiwale were speaking at the inaugural Pacific Cyber Capacity Building Coordination Conference, which brings cybersecurity leaders and policymakers from Pacific Islands Forum members together to discuss regional capacity building and the future of cyber resilience.
Context and related concerns
– Officials and advocates have repeatedly flagged limits in existing legislation — including gaps in the Online Safety Act and other digital laws — that constrain enforcement and the ability to hold platforms or offenders to account.
– The Online Safety Commission currently functions largely as a reporting and takedown body rather than an enforcement agency with prosecutorial powers; stakeholders have pushed for legislative reform to give it stronger tools, including clearer penalties and pathways to work with prosecutors and police.
– Cross‑border scams and harmful material originating overseas complicate enforcement, underlining the need for regional and international cooperation.
Commentary and implications
Strengthening laws and resourcing the commission are complementary steps. Legal reform can clarify powers, penalties and responsibilities for platforms and offenders, but without sustained funding, technical capacity and public education, enforcement and prevention will remain limited. Equally important are:
– clearer frameworks for working with law enforcement and the Director of Public Prosecutions so online harms can be prosecuted when appropriate;
– investment in digital literacy and awareness campaigns to reduce vulnerability to scams and misinformation;
– regional coordination with Pacific partners and international platforms to address cross‑border content and cybercrime.
A hopeful outlook
The government’s commitment to review laws and the convening of regional experts at the Pacific conference are positive signs that reform and capacity building are moving forward. If legal updates, funding and public education are advanced together, Fiji can build stronger defences against online abuse while preserving safe access to digital services for citizens, including young people.
Suggested additions for publication
– A short explainer box on what the Online Safety Commission can and cannot currently do (e.g., reporting versus enforcement), to help readers understand why legislation change matters.
– A sidebar listing practical tips for parents and young users (privacy settings, recognising scams, reporting harmful content) to make the piece more actionable for readers.
Short summary
Fiji’s deputy prime minister says current online safety laws are weak and will be reviewed within the next 12 months to tackle misinformation, online harm and protect citizens. The Online Safety Commission is underfunded despite a $1.5 million allocation for the year, and officials at a regional cybersecurity conference called for legal reform, better resources and stronger regional cooperation to address cross‑border online threats.
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