A police report has been filed against Filipe Batiwale, the newly appointed Online Safety Commissioner, for accusations of defamation. The complaint was made on February 9, 2025, at the Nausori Police Station by an individual whose identity has been withheld, who also resides in the same village as Batiwale.
The allegations state that Batiwale shared false and defamatory information regarding the complainant to a third party via Messenger, which contradicts the responsibilities expected from an Online Safety Commissioner. Batiwale, who was appointed to the role on February 3, 2025, had previously applied for the position that was advertised online in August 2024. The alleged defamatory communications occurred in November 2024, shortly before he assumed office.
Specific accusations include Batiwale allegedly spreading rumors about the complainant’s sexuality, claiming he was bisexual and discussing supposed intimate relationships with men in their village. The complainant, who is married with two children, asserted that these narratives have adversely impacted his family life and mental well-being.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, directed inquiries regarding the matter to the Online Safety Commission. He noted that the issue has been classified as a civil case by the police. Efforts to reach Batiwale for comments have so far been unsuccessful.
This incident reflects poorly not only on Batiwale but also on the Online Safety Commission, raising concerns about public trust in the office responsible for ensuring safety on digital platforms. Critics have highlighted that such allegations could undermine the Commission’s integrity and effectiveness at a time when online safety is of paramount importance.
The backdrop to this situation reveals that Batiwale was hired for his expertise in cyber law and online safety, having specialized for over seven years in the field. His appointment was seen as a pivotal step towards enhancing the digital rights protections for users in Fiji as the online landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
It is crucial that these allegations be addressed transparently and justly to restore confidence in the leadership of the commission. There is hope that through constructive dialogue and reformative actions, the Online Safety Commission can emerge stronger and continue its vital work in promoting a secure digital environment for all Fijians.
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