The chief executive officer of Save the Children Fiji, Shairana Ali, warns that banning explicit websites may not effectively prevent access to child pornography. Her comments follow concerning statistics released by Communications Minister Manoa Kamikamica regarding child exploitation in Fiji. While recognizing that blocking certain sites can help, Ali emphasized that individuals often find ways to bypass restrictions, utilizing tools like VPNs.
Ali highlighted that the issue is widespread, noting that anyone with internet access can reach these harmful sites. She pointed out that platforms like Telegram, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are increasingly being used for the online exploitation of children, with specific groups created for sharing inappropriate images.
She called for enhanced monitoring and improved policies to combat these issues and stressed the importance of bolstering the efforts of both the Fiji Police Force’s Cybercrime Unit and the Online Safety Commission. According to Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica, there have been 3,638 reports of child sexual abuse material submitted from Fiji to the Cyber Tipline of the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.