Seruiratu Raises Concerns Over Tech Giants, and their Impact on Fiji, Fijians
“In Fiji, we feel the presence of global big-tech companies some with net values 100 times the size of own Gross Domestic Product (GDP)who have hundreds of thousands of users in Fiji,” he said.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu has raised concerns over global technological companies who have hundreds of thousands users in Fiji. These companies don’t have any physical presence in Fiji even have the capacity to translate our vernacular languages to sort through threats and hate speech.
Mr Seruiratu raised this concern while opening the annual CPA AustraliaFiji Branch Congress at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa yesterday.
In a wide ranging speech, Mr Seruiratu questioned the impact the influence the global giants have here without any physical presence or accountability.
He said: “In Fiji, we feel the presence of global big-tech companies some with net values 100 times the size of our own Gross Domestic Product (GDP)who have hundreds of thousands of users in Fiji.” “These companies are rarely ever registered entities in our country, they don’t have any Fijian offices, they don’t even have the capacity to translate our vernacular languages to sort through threats and hate speech.
“Regardless, these companies are an ever-present force in our people’s lives, they play significant roles in our economy, and they have a serious impact on our national security.”
Rules and guidelines
“How do governments ensure the rules and community guidelines these companies have on the books are enforced?
“Who places checks on the organisation’s who can bounce across borders, unchecked, and buy influence in the forms of advertisements and propaganda on our social media? “How do we protect our citizens from online abuse or criminal networks from using these platforms to coordinate their activities? “When it comes to the advancement of digital technologies, the AsiaPacific region is surging to the front of the pack -- how do we, as Pacific island countries, capitalise on that opportunity?”
“But truly transformative technologies can’t only see our people as mere “users.
“How do we put more of our people in the offices of the companies driving these advancements making the transition from user to creator?
“How can we leverage technology to preserve our unique cultures and identities?
“I’ve previously served as the Fijian Minister for Agriculture -- seeing the advances in what’s been dubbed the “ag-tech boom” is re-defining farming as we know it.
“What steps can countries like Fiji take today to give ourselves a competitive advantage in building an adaptable, scalable and innovative agro-sector?
“And when it comes to embracing these transformative technologies, how do we assure that our entire societies are uplifted, mitigating a widening “digital divide” that only benefits the privileged few who are armed with the tools and capacity to succeed in a modern economy?
“How can we ensure that digital literacy isn’t a language of the elite, but an enabler for the disadvantaged?
How do we safeguard trustworthy and reliable information and news online, and teach our citizens to distinguish fact from falsehood?
He said these were the questions burning in his mind.
Answers
“I believe the answers lie in opening doors of communication with the leaders of the tech revolution.
“I believe it lies in showing the world that Fiji and the Fijian people aren’t afraid of change. “We openly embrace it. And we’re ready to work with leaders in the digital space to help chart a path to a more inclusive digital future.
“One where massive economic opportunities are realised, one where online spaces are safe and secure for all people, and one where the interests and perspectives of Fijians and all Pacific people are represented at the global tech decision-making table. “I hope that I can get the wheels turning in some of the minds represented in this room today about how Fiji, and our fellow Pacific nations, can wield your expertise and experiences in meeting these challenges and seizing these opportunities. “And while I have you all here; I should add, in ICT along with a range of other sectors, Fiji’s embrace of digital technology has established our nation as the hub of technology, development and innovation in the Pacific.
“We have a young population, with over half of our population under the age of 28, and we’re fielding the most educated and talented workforce in history. “If there’s a place to make an investment, start a company, or even establish a regional hub for your business; it’s Fiji. Just something to think about!” Mr Seruiratu wished the delegates a productive discussions at the Congress.
Delegates
The congress ends today and has an excellent turnout of over 500 delegates.