Government to fast-track stronger online safety laws
The urgency stems from the increasing number of young children in Fiji actively using TikTok.
Thursday 27 February 2025 | 05:30
The Government will move quickly to strengthen Fiji’s online safety laws following the circulation of TikTok videos showing questionable behaviour by local users.
Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, said the current framework was outdated and not strong enough to address growing risks on social media.
“Negative behaviour on social media is not tolerated. The online safety laws we adopted were based on earlier versions of Australia and the United Kingdom’s laws, but both countries have since toughened theirs significantly,” he said.
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He confirmed that the Ministry is working with the Law Reform Commission and the Online Safety Commissioner to update the legislation.
The urgency stems from the increasing number of young children in Fiji actively using TikTok. Australia is the only country that has introduced a nationwide ban on TikTok and other social media platforms for children under 16.
Other nations, including India, Afghanistan, and Iran, have banned TikTok entirely, but not specifically for minors.
Mr Kamikamica said new legislation would be tabled in Parliament this year.
“The priority is to keep our children and the rest of Fiji safe. Risky and unacceptable behaviour on social media must be addressed through proper laws, and we are working to speed this up,” he said.
Concerns have been mounting over TikTok Live, where some adults have been engaging in inappropriate acts.
The Government hopes the strengthened laws will not only provide greater protection for children but also encourage more responsible online behaviour.
