Domestic Law and Policy
Solomon Islands has yet to establish a legal framework on digital identity. The country is working on a draft National Digital Transformation Policy, which has yet to be finalized and shared publicly.[16] In 2017, National ICT [Information and Communications Technology] Policy was published, which highlights the need to create a legal environment to support the growth of ICT use where the creation of data security and privacy laws would be a necessary foundation.[17]
Data Protection
There is no national framework on digital identity or data privacy in Solomon Islands.[18] The National Cybersecurity Policy, launched in August 2024, does provide strategies for ensuring “a safe and secure cyber environment for Solomon Islands” which may inform future drafting of laws.[19] Regarding data collection, the Telecommunications Act (2009) requires service providers to not “collect, use, maintain or disclose information about a user for any purpose” and to “apply appropriate security safeguards to prevent the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of such information.”[20] The Telecommunications Act does not outline what security measures or safeguards service providers are to apply to protect data and privacy.
International Commitments
Solomon Islands is not a party to treaties specific to digital ID or data privacy and protection. As Solomon Islands continues to develop its digital public infrastructure, it is important to do so in line with its international obligations under the human rights treaties it is party to, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, ICESCR, ICERD, CRC, and CEDAW.
