Former Women and Children Minister Lynda Tabuya has expressed her concerns regarding the recent explicit video that was leaked by her attackers, which she believes was an attempt to publicly shame, defame, and undermining her character. Tabuya noted that these actions were intended to strip her of faith from her constituents, jeopardize her role as a Government Minister, and compromise her position in the People’s Alliance.
The traumatic impact of this incident, she attests, has been felt not only by herself but also by her family and loved ones, yet she remains resilient. Speaking as a Keynote Speaker at the Safer Internet Day 2025, hosted by Fiji’s Online Safety Commission, she highlighted important legislative measures like the Online Safety Act 2018 and the Cybercrime Act 2021 that have been implemented to combat harmful online behavior.
Tabuya pointed out the complexities involved, as many perpetrators act across borders, complicating legal enforcement. She emphasized that laws such as Fiji’s Online Safety Act classify the sharing of personal images or videos without consent as a criminal offense, which carries severe penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment.
She advocates for a collective responsibility that encompasses government entities, technology companies, law enforcement, and individuals to forge respectful and secure online environments. Tabuya also argues for amendments to the Online Safety Act, suggesting that the Online Safety Commission should have enhanced powers to enforce compliance, including the ability to issue takedown notices for illegal content and impose penalties for non-compliance.
In addition, she called for increased resources for the Cybercrime Unit to adequately respond to the rise in cases, asserting that this is essential for safeguarding citizens and securing their everyday lives.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in the digital age, highlighting the necessity for stronger online protections and proactive legal frameworks. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, there is hope for a more secure online environment that protects individuals from similar violations in the future.
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