A police report has been lodged against Filipe Batiwale, the recently appointed Online Safety Commissioner, amid allegations of defamation. The complaint was filed on February 9, 2025, at the Nausori Police Station by an unnamed resident of Batiwale’s village.
The accusations suggest that Batiwale disseminated false and defamatory information about the individual to a third party through Messenger, which contradicts the duties expected from someone in his official position. Batiwale, who started his role on February 3, 2025, was chosen for the position after applying for it in August 2024. The alleged defamatory remarks reportedly took place in November 2024, just before he took office.
Specifically, it is claimed that Batiwale spread rumors about the complainant’s sexuality, inaccurately suggesting he was bisexual and discussing fabricated intimate relationships with other men in their community. The complainant, who has a spouse and two children, asserts that these unfounded claims have negatively affected his family life and mental health.
Manoa Kamikamica, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, has referred inquiries about the situation to the Online Safety Commission, indicating that the police have categorized the matter as a civil case. Attempts to obtain a response from Batiwale have not yet yielded results.
This situation raises significant issues regarding public trust in both Batiwale and the Online Safety Commission, especially as the agency is tasked with maintaining safety in digital spaces. Critics argue that these allegations could detract from the Commission’s credibility and effectiveness at a time when online safety is increasingly vital.
Batiwale’s appointment was initially celebrated for his extensive background in cyber law and online safety, with more than seven years of experience in the field. His hiring was viewed as an important move towards strengthening the digital rights of users in Fiji amidst a rapidly changing online landscape.
Addressing these allegations in a transparent and fair manner is essential for restoring confidence in the Commission’s leadership. This situation presents an opportunity for constructive dialogue and potential reforms that could reinforce the Commission’s commitment to fostering a safe digital ecosystem for all Fijians.
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