Adapt to the world
LAWS that were written in a pre-Artificial Intelligence and deep fake digital era must adapt to the nuances of our interconnected and changing world, says Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya.
She highlighted this while speaking at the Fiji Law Society (FLS) annual conference in Sigatoka yesterday.
Ms Tabuya also pointed out the role played by telecommunication companies and stated that their immense influence must be balanced with legal principles and accountability measures, which was a pressing legal concern.
“More than ever, online service companies must be held responsible for addressing harmful content on their platforms and creating a safe online space that protects all,” she said.
“The pace of technological advancement often outpaces the ability of lawmakers and practitioners all across the world to keep up; therefore, creating gaps that can be exploited.”
She said the dominance of life-size online platforms, AI nd telecommunication companies to shape digital lives raised profound questions about the power they wielded, in particular in the context of Fiji.
“These online platforms and companies are not just providers of communication and content. They are conduits of public discourse and in some cases, enabling environments for tech-facilitated crimes, including tech-facilitated genderbased violence and sexual harassment, and also gatekeepers of information.
“Therefore, the law and regulatory frameworks must evolve to address emerging digital threats while safeguarding our fundamental freedoms and democracy.
“It requires us to strike a delicate balance between security, safety and privacy, regulation and innovation.”
She called on all legal professionals to proactively engage with these challenges, and advocate for robust legal frameworks and implementation mechanisms which protect the rights of all Fijians in this current digital age.
“To me, the first and most urgent crucial step is to identify the limitations within our relevant legislative acts and enforcement mechanisms. By taking these essential measures to analyse and address these gaps, we can create a solid legal foundation.
“It is imperative for us to thoroughly examine these shortcomings so that we can fortify our legislation and regulatory frameworks ensuring its effectiveness.
“Furthermore, we must embark on a comprehensive public legal education campaign across various settings and among various groups to equip all Fijians, in particular our children and youth, with the knowledge to protect their identities and safety and avoid falling victim to schemes, fraud, and exploitation.”
Ms Tabuya said Fiji could learn more from models adopted by countries such as Australia, Denmark, and Japan among others.
“The challenges presented by the ever-evolving digital world are formidable, but so is our resolve to overcome them.
“As guardians of the law, we carry the responsibility not just to uphold justice but also to adapt and innovate in the face of new threats.
“Together, we have the power to shape a digital environment where every Fijian can exercise their rights and navigate the online world with confidence and safety.”