Nauru cracks down on internet pornography
The Government of Nauru has
announced it will be blocking access to internet sites that show
pornography, particularly those featuring
children.
Minister for Justice David Adeang
said Cabinet had recently agreed to crack down on pornography in
the nation and the Government had directed Digicel, the nation's
internet service provider, to start blocking applicable websites.
It is also drafting new cyber-crime laws that will soon be
presented to Parliament.
Mr Adeang said while it is
technically difficult to control the internet, Nauru's Christian
heritage and culture - underpinned by the nation's motto of "God's
Will First", was important.
"Pornography is not consistent with
our faith or our values," he said.
Some sites have already been blocked
and the Government is evaluating other sites to assess their
suitability.
The Minister also pointed to an
increase in children being exposed sexually on line through both
internet sites and social media, and vowed to prioritise the
welfare of the nation's children.
"Nauru is a small country with
limited resources, and we do not have the capability to monitor the
internet like larger nations, so this move and our new laws are
both significant measures," he
explained.
He acknowledged that some people in
foreign nations may disagree with the Government's move, because
"many outside of Nauru do not understand Pacific or Nauruan
culture".
"As a nation, we have the right and
the ability to promote the values that helped build our country,
and these include values that are based on
scripture.
"Child pornography - indeed any
pornography - are at odds with these
values."
Pornography leads to family
breakdowns and a lack of respect towards women, according to Mr
Adeang.
"The size of our nation makes us
more vulnerable."
He said the Government has received
"tremendous support from the Nauruan
people".