Fiji currently lacks specific laws dedicated to personal data protection, as highlighted in the report “The State of Artificial Intelligence in the Pacific Islands” by the AI Asia Pacific Institute based in Singapore. Despite this, the report indicates that personal privacy and the confidentiality of personal information are upheld under Clause 24 of the 2013 Constitution.
The report also mentions that several laws target the unauthorized disclosure of personal or client information. These include the Banking Act of 1995, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service Act of 1998, the Medical and Dental Practitioner Act of 2010, the Rules of Professional Conduct and Practice of the Legal Practitioners Act of 2009, and the Cybercrime Act of 2021.
In a related announcement, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications revealed plans in March 2024 to create a framework aimed at protecting internet users from the threats posed by artificial intelligence. This initiative will align with a broader cybersecurity strategy, incorporating AI governance to bolster national security. The government plans to develop this framework using local technology resources, while also considering assistance from other nations if needed.
Additionally, the report notes that in December 2023, the Fijian Cabinet approved the creation of a National Digital Strategy. This strategy is intended to provide a coordinated approach for scaling digital technology to foster economic growth and promote sustainable development.