The lack of specific legislation governing artificial intelligence in Fiji is creating challenges for organisations trying to develop policies and safeguards around AI use.
Speaking during the Annual Fiji CyberSec Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Water Authority of Fiji Team Leader Cyber Security and Operations Sailosi Ralulu says while existing laws such as the Information Act and Cybercrime Act 2021 provide some controls, there is currently no legislation specifically addressing the use of AI.
He says this makes it difficult for organisations to align their internal AI policies with national legislation.
Ralulu says WAF is now looking at international standards and frameworks to help guide its approach, including an ISO standard on AI management released in 2023.
He says AI could be useful in monitoring and analysing data in water treatment plants, but at the end of that line, the plant operator then needs to make a decision on whether to follow the instructions or take another alternative option.
He adds that WAF is prioritising compliance and policy development before investing in further technical solutions to manage AI risks.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries Manoa Kamikamica agrees that the Government needs to put the necessary policies and frameworks in place.
He says there is an expectation that data protection legislation will be introduced within the next five months, hopefully sooner.
