Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the issue of privacy is a key element in the digital space.
While speaking during World Consumer Rights Day, Sayed-Khaiyum says you may have internet banking and other forms of digital disbursement of funds but that information has to be protected.
The Attorney General highlighted that they saw during the disbursement of the $360 assistance, many people were using other people’s personal details.
He adds under the Constitution, people have a right to privacy.
Sayed-Khaiyum also says whilst they can talk a lot about the digital finance, they also have to ensure no digital divide is being created.
He adds whilst digital age is hailed as a great equalizer it can also be the greatest disequalizer if everybody is not connected to the digital space.
The Attorney General further says there has to be also a particular level of protection from those who supply the service.
Meanwhile, Minister for Commerce and Trade, Faiyaz Koya says whilst digital finance makes banking and payments convenient, there are risks associated, risks that marginalise a group of consumers more than it does others.
Koya also says financial institutions have evolved and are increasingly digitising transactions to address pressing requirements such as paying for utilities, water, and electricity, or obtaining low-cost wages and social benefits.
He add these opportunities were critical during the pandemic’s peak in Fiji.
Koya says throughout the pandemic, more people have adapted to getting their business online or handling day-to-today activities.
He also says this includes mobile payments by the Fijian Government and Fiji National Provident Fund, for disbursement of financial assistance.
