The Government of Vanuatu has introduced a Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System to block access to websites containing verified child sexual abuse material and strengthen the protection of children online.

The system, known as DCEFS, is designed to reduce the risk of internet users accidentally accessing websites containing this material as more people in Vanuatu use the internet for education, communication, business and entertainment.

System Designed to Block Verified Harmful Websites

Director of the Department of Communications and Digital Transformation, John Jack, welcomed the initiative, saying it reflects Vanuatu’s commitment to creating a safer online environment for children and families.

“Every child deserves to be safe, whether they are at home, at school, or online. This initiative strengthens our ability to protect children from serious online harm and gives families greater confidence when using the internet,” Jack said.

The system is managed by New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and works with trusted international child protection organisations and law enforcement agencies to identify websites containing verified child sexual abuse material.

It is designed to block access only to websites containing this material. It does not monitor, track or record the online activity of individual internet users.

Pacific Partnership to Strengthen Online Safety

The extension of DCEFS to Vanuatu was developed in partnership with the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs and local internet service providers.

General Manager of Digital Safety and Identity Investigation, Jared Mullen, said cooperation between Pacific nations was important in addressing online child exploitation.

“Online child exploitation is a global problem that affects communities everywhere. By working together with our Pacific partners, we can take practical action to prevent access to harmful material and better protect our vulnerable children,” Mullen said.

He said the partnership demonstrated a shared commitment to safeguarding children and building a safer digital future for people in Vanuatu.

The introduction of the system forms part of wider regional efforts to improve online safety and ensure children can benefit from the opportunities of the internet in a safer environment.