Child abuse and exploitation materials generated by AI are becoming an increasing concern, with Fiji stepping up its efforts to tackle the issue through international cooperation.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran raised the alarm during the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women today.
She says the Online Safety Commission is also conducting community awareness through schools and communities using deeply rooted traditional values of Veidokai and Veilomani to promote respectful, compassionate and safe conduct in the online space.
She further says Fiji is committed to addressing these threats by participating in global initiatives like the Council of Europe Cybercrime Convention Committee and the AI Working Group.
The Minister says Fiji’s involvement in international frameworks, such as the Council of Europe Budapest Convention, is crucial for tackling trans-border cybercrimes.
Kiran says Fiji’s participation in such international treaties would help enhance the country's capacity to address AI-generated child abuse and exploitation materials, while also combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
The Minister says Fiji’s active contribution to the UN Open-Ended Working Group on ICT and its participation in the UN-OEWG Women in Cyber Fellowship, advocates for the leadership and meaningful involvement of women in ICT.
She says Fiji played an essential role in negotiating the UN Convention against Cybercrime, which was adopted in 2024.
Kiran says this treaty aims to harmonise global efforts for child protection.
She says Fiji is also focused on bridging the digital divide by empowering young girls with technical skills and mentorship.
She also stressed the importance of encouraging young girls to view ICT as a career path to help address the global ICT shortage.
Kiran says through these comprehensive efforts, Fiji is strengthening its capacity to address AI-generated child abuse and exploitation materials, ensuring that the country’s criminal justice system is equipped to tackle these emerging threats.
