What is AI regulation in Solomon Islands?
AI regulation: countries and regions
Solomon Islands has no dedicated AI law or regulator as of mid-2026. Instead, AI falls under general laws and policies. For example, the Telecommunications Act requires consent for data use, but there's no AI-specific statute. The government is developing an AI-driven education policy and drafting a data protection law (with UN support), aligning with Pacific digital strategies and UNESCO's AI ethics guidance.
Reviewed by Jackie, Head of Learning & Development, Levellers · Last reviewed 8 June 2026
What this means
Solomon Islands currently **lacks any specific AI legislation**. The government is beginning to address AI through broader digital initiatives rather than a standalone law. For instance, the Education Minister has announced plans for an *AI-driven education policy* focusing on AI literacy, infrastructure, ethical use, and data privacy. Likewise, the national ICT strategy (2026-2030) includes projects like "AI for Government" and developing ethical AI guidelines. These are policy initiatives and strategy goals, not binding laws.
In practice, AI systems are regulated indirectly. Existing laws still apply: for example, section 72 of the Telecommunications Act 2009 requires telecom companies to get user consent before collecting personal data. The Constitution guarantees a general right to privacy. There is **no current data protection law** - however, the government is drafting one with UN help. Until any AI-specific or data privacy laws are enacted, organisations using AI must follow these existing rules on privacy, consumer protection, and sectoral regulations. Any obligations will come from such general laws and official guidance rather than a special AI regulation.
Why it matters
Understanding AI regulation matters because organisations and policymakers need clarity on what rules apply when they use or build AI in Solomon Islands. Without a dedicated AI law, businesses and government agencies must rely on existing frameworks. This can be a risk if teams assume AI is unregulated or if they overlook privacy and safety issues. For example, schools planning to use AI tutoring tools should still protect student data and avoid biased content, just as the planned education policy emphasizes. Likewise, companies using AI in commerce or services should follow the general e-commerce and data rules now in place. Aligning with global AI ethics standards (like UNESCO's Recommendation) and regional digital strategies helps ensure AI is used responsibly, which builds trust and avoids unintended harm as AI becomes more common.
How it works
Current Legal Framework
There is **no AI-specific statute or agency** in Solomon Islands. AI use is subject to existing laws. For instance, the Telecommunications Act 2009 requires network operators to obtain user consent for data collection and to safeguard customer information. Other laws (like those on fraud, defamation, or export controls) apply if AI is used to commit crimes. At present, AI projects must fit into this patchwork of rules. Because there is no dedicated AI regulator, oversight is sectoral: for example, telecom rules apply to network-based AI services, and any banking AI would fall under financial regulations. Importantly, Solomon Islands has no separate data protection law yet, so AI systems involving personal data rely on general privacy provisions (constitutional rights and the telecom consent rule) until a new privacy law is passed.
Government Strategies and Policies
The government is integrating AI into its digital development plans. The **Solomon Islands Government ICT Strategy (2026-2030)** explicitly lists AI initiatives: for example, "AI for Government: Governance, Capability and Public Value" and updating "Data Governance Policies (...Open Data & AI)". Another part of the strategy is "AI Policy Integration," meaning guidelines for ethical AI use within government. In education, the Minister has committed to creating an **AI-driven education policy**, aiming to build AI literacy and infrastructure in schools while emphasising ethical AI and data privacy. These strategies set out plans and guidelines; they are not laws. In practice, they signal government priorities and may shape future regulations or standards around AI.
Institutional Responsibilities
Multiple bodies share responsibility for AI-relevant issues. The **Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA)** leads ICT policy and is overseeing the drafting of a data protection law. SIG ICT Services (a government ICT department) implements the digital strategy, including its AI projects. The **Ministry of Education** is designing the AI-in-education framework. The **Telecommunications Commission (TCSI)** regulates telecom networks (and enforces the consent rule) under the Telecommunications Act. There is no single "AI regulator"; instead, each sector's regulator would apply its own rules to AI applications within that sector. For example, any misuse of AI in communications would be handled under telecom or broadcasting rules. International frameworks are also influential: agencies like UNCDF, UNDP and UNCTAD are working with SI on digital issues, which may lead to future official AI guidance.
International and Regional Alignment
Solomon Islands participates in regional digital initiatives and follows international AI norms. It is part of the Pacific Islands Forum and the UN Pacific Digital Economy Programme, which tie into a Pacific e-commerce strategy. These regional policies promote digital trade and may influence how member countries, including Solomon Islands, handle emerging technologies. Globally, Solomon Islands is a UNESCO member, so it is expected to consider the **UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI** (a non-binding standard for AI design and use). Likewise, wider UN and UNDP guidance on AI ethics and risk-based governance can inform local policy. While these international frameworks do not override local law, they guide best practices. In sum, Solomon Islands aligns with Pacific and UN efforts but has yet to turn them into domestic legal requirements.
Examples
- **Schools and AI tools:** Suppose a high school starts using an AI tutoring app to personalise student learning. Even though there's no local AI law, the school would still need to protect student data and use the tool ethically. The government's planned education policy explicitly calls for *AI literacy and data privacy regulation* in schools, so educators would follow those guidelines once set. Until then, they rely on general privacy principles (e.g. getting parental consent) and best practices.
- **Small business with AI:** A small Honiara retailer employs an AI-based chatbot on its website to help customers. Solomon Islands encourages digital commerce through its National E-commerce Strategy 2022-2027, but that strategy does not include AI rules. The retailer must abide by existing consumer protection and data consent laws. For instance, if the chatbot collects customer emails, the retailer must get consent under the Telecommunications Act rule (or the upcoming privacy law). In practice, this means handling data responsibly even without a specific AI statute.
- **Government services and AI:** If the government deploys AI (for example, an automated government website assistant), there are no extra AI regulations to follow. Instead, the civil service would use internal guidelines. In fact, the government's own digital strategy includes an "AI for Government" project to set up AI governance within public agencies. This would establish internal controls and data policies for AI tools. Until that initiative is fully implemented, any AI use in government must comply with existing ICT and cybersecurity policies and any sector-specific rules.
Common misunderstandings
- **"Solomon Islands already has an AI law."** In reality, it does *not*. There is no dedicated AI legislation in force today. All AI activities must follow the current general laws (telecom, privacy, etc.), but no standalone AI code exists.
- **"Data protection law fully covers AI."** Not yet - Solomon Islands is still drafting its first comprehensive data protection/privacy law. Until that's passed, only limited data rules apply (e.g. the telecoms consent rule). So AI systems handling personal data aren't covered by a modern privacy law yet.
- **"UNESCO or UN rules automatically apply here."** UNESCO's AI Ethics Recommendation and similar UN guidelines are *voluntary* standards. They are not binding laws in Solomon Islands. The country may follow them for guidance, but they don't have legal force unless adopted by the government into policy or law.
- **"Sector regulators can't use AI until it's legalized."** This is wrong. Even without AI-specific rules, regulators can still act under existing mandates. For example, the Telecommunications Commission can enforce data security requirements for AI used in communication networks. Similarly, a finance regulator could sanction unfair algorithms under general market conduct rules.
- **"The education AI policy is already law."** The announced AI education policy is a *commitment*, not a law. It signals the government's intention to integrate AI into schools safely. Actual legal rules (for schools, vendors, etc.) would come later, likely through new regulations or guidance documents.
Risks and boundaries
- *Limits of current rules:* Without an AI-specific law, some AI projects may be legally untested. Users and developers must rely on broad statutes (e.g. privacy, fraud) which might not anticipate AI issues. It's important to recognize that "AI regulation" in SI basically means general laws and policies - anything beyond that is still developing.
- *What it is not:* This does not mean AI is unregulated zone. Existing legal responsibilities still apply (if AI causes harm or breaches privacy, you can still be liable under tort, criminal, or telecom laws). It also does not mean Solomon Islands is free from international influence - foreign laws (like EU GDPR) can affect local entities, and global standards (like UNESCO's) influence policy debates.
- *Future uncertainty:* A data protection law is forthcoming and could change the landscape significantly. Also, government AI initiatives (in education, public service) might eventually lead to new regulations. Until then, the situation is "work in progress." Stakeholders should track these developments.
- *Misapplication risk:* Don't assume all AI uses are safe because "nothing forbids them." For example, AI-driven predictions in healthcare or finance would still be subject to medical or banking rules, even if not AI-specific. Also, relying solely on UNESCO or UN best practices without local enforcement can give a false sense of security.
What to do next
- **Monitor and participate in lawmaking:** Watch for the new data protection/privacy law and any AI strategy developments. Engage with the MCA and ICT units to ensure that AI use cases (in your organization) are considered in drafting these laws.
- **Develop internal AI guidelines:** In the absence of formal AI rules, organisations should adopt their own ethical guidelines (risk-based approaches, transparency) and follow international best practices. Align these with UNESCO's AI ethics principles (human oversight, fairness, privacy) until local laws catch up.
- **Invest in AI literacy and training:** As the education policy suggests, build understanding of AI within your team or company. Train staff on AI benefits and risks. In government, staff training will help prepare for "AI for Government" programs.
- **Plan for data governance:** Treat data protection as critical. Map out what personal data your AI tools use, and ensure you have mechanisms for consent and security. Even before a law passes, these practices will meet global standards and prepare you for compliance.
- **Leverage regional partnerships:** Collaborate with Pacific technical initiatives and standards bodies (e.g. ITSI, WITSI) to share knowledge on AI governance. Regional projects (like the Pacific Digital Economy Programme) can provide guidance and resources.
- **Stay alert on extraterritorial rules:** If your organisation deals internationally, note that foreign AI or data laws might apply. For example, handling EU customer data could invoke GDPR rules. Keep an eye on major AI regulations globally to manage cross-border impacts.
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FAQs
Does Solomon Islands have a dedicated AI law?
No. Solomon Islands currently has **no specific legislation** for AI. Any AI use is governed by general laws and policies (for example, privacy rules under the Telecommunications Act and upcoming data protection laws).
What governs personal data used by AI today?
Today the main rule is in the Telecommunications Act: service providers must get user consent before collecting data. The Constitution also broadly protects privacy. A separate data protection law is being drafted now, which will give clear data rules once passed.
Which government bodies are responsible for AI?
There isn't an AI agency. ICT policy is led by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and SIG ICT Services (which oversee digital strategies). The Ministry of Education handles AI in schools. Sector regulators (like the Telecommunications Commission) enforce their own laws on any AI used in telecom or other fields.
How does the UNESCO AI Ethics Recommendation affect Solomon Islands?
The UNESCO recommendation is a **non-binding guide**. As a UNESCO member, Solomon Islands can use it to shape policy (it emphasizes principles like fairness and transparency), but it has no direct legal effect unless translated into local regulations.
Should companies worry about international AI regulations?
Yes. Even if Solomon Islands has no AI law, companies may be affected by foreign laws. For instance, if you process data from EU citizens using AI, the EU's GDPR and AI rules could apply to you. It's wise to design systems that meet global standards for privacy and ethics.
Is AI in education already regulated?
Not yet. The Ministry of Education has proposed an AI education policy to guide how AI is used in schools. This is still in planning, so schools should in the meantime apply general privacy and education laws to any AI tools they use.