National Taskforce to Propose Legislation Banning Access to Pornography for Minors Under 18

The National Taskforce to Address pornography held its second meeting, focusing on vital steps to create new legislation that would prevent children under the age of 17 from accessing pornography.

Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, External Trade, Cooperatives and SMEs, co-chaired the meeting that addressed the pressing need to stop pornography’s negative impact on the children.

One of the key decisions made during the meeting was to initiate the drafting of proposed legislation that would prevent children under 18 from accessing pornographic material.

This measure is a part of a broader effort to address the growing worries about possible psychological and developmental effects of children being exposed to adult content online.

The Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection, as a co-chair of the taskforce, presented alongside UNFPA Chief Gender Advisor Dr. Leigh-Ashley, who provided a Gender Analysis of the Online Safety Act.

Director of Children Arieta Tagivetaua shared an overview of the Child Care and Protection Act 2024’s legal provisions pertaining to the production, ownership, and trafficking of Child pornography.

The meeting included in-depth discussions on several critical agenda including strategies to restrict children’s access to pornography, practical measures to lower the general consumption of pornography, and development of stronger legislative framework to address the issue.

A key highlight of the meeting was the sharing of insights from Australia's experience in tackling pornography access, which prompted a review of existing legal gaps.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to protect children and ensure a safer online environment.