Vanuatu Roundup: Mobile coverage upgrade, battling online abuse, Australia helps with museum upkeep

Vanuatu tightens cyber laws to battle online abuse

Vanuatu's Parliament has unanimously passed the Harmful Digital Communications (Amendment) Act of 2025, expanding its 2024 law to combat online abuse, impersonation, and pornography. Key updates include criminalising online impersonation and use of forged IDs for fraud, explicit ban on pornography, including creation, sharing, or hosting, protection for minors and that is exposing those under 16 to pornographic content now carries penalties of up to VT 2,000,000 or three years in prison, court powers to block adult sites and mandate takedowns of illegal content or fake accounts. The law introduces three new offences: digital impersonation using counterfeit IDs, distributing pornography, and exposing minors to explicit content. Companies enabling ID misuse may be fined up to VT 5,000,000.

Digicel Vanuatu commits to 99% mobile coverage under UAP

Digicel Vanuatu has signed its 5th Undertaking under the Universal Access Policy, aiming to extend mobile coverage to 99% of the population. Despite Vanuatu’s challenging geography—over 80 islands across 1,300 km—the telco reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the digital divide. 4G coverage stood at 90% by the end of 2023, according to ITU data. The expansion will also support access to MyCash mobile wallets, e-learning, e-health, and digital finance for remote communities. No timeline was specified. “This is a leap forward to ensuring access to the life-changing potential of mobile coverage,” said CEO Gary Sue-Fong.

Australia helping Vanuatu with museum collection upkeep

After the 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila in December, staff at the National Museum of Vanuatu were devastated by the damage. "It was all a mess," said curator Kaitip Kami. Thirteen display cases were destroyed, and numerous artefacts—including ancient Lapita pottery—were lost. Housed in the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, the museum safeguards priceless cultural items, including ancestral remains, which survived the fall due to their placement on lower shelves. Under Ni-Vanuatu custom, only the original tribes may repair damaged artefacts. "You have to have the right," said Kami, noting plans to bring in community members from affected islands once funding allows.

Vanuatu, GGGI strengthen climate resilience partnership

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) has renewed its commitment to climate action in Vanuatu following a high-level meeting with Climate Minister Ralph Regenvanu. Leaders discussed strengthening collaboration on resilience, adaptation, and sustainable development. GGGI praised Vanuatu’s climate leadership and green progress, including installing 37 solar water pumps across 36 rural communities, aiding over 20,000 people. The institute has also helped shape Vanuatu’s Loss and Damage Policy, adaptation plans, and green investments in energy and forestry. GGGI reaffirmed its support for locally led climate solutions, calling Vanuatu one of its most successful programmes.

Vanuatu has a new island destination

Coming in early 2027, Royal Caribbean will unveil Lelepa, a new private island destination in Vanuatu—the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Unlike the theme-park style of Coco Cay, Lelepa will offer a locally inspired, culturally immersive experience with serene beaches, nature trails, and water activities. Designed in partnership with local communities, everything from the layout to the use of locally grown produce reflects Vanuatu’s culture and environment. “With crystal clear waters and stunning beauty, Lelepa will be the perfect addition to South Pacific holidays,” said Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean VP for Australia and New Zealand.