Summary: Fiji’s Minister for Information, Lynda Tabuya, is proposing to place the Online Safety Commission (OSC) under the Ministry of Information to improve resources, efficiency, and victim support, while preserving the OSC’s independence through legal safeguards. The move aligns with ongoing discussions about strengthening enforcement powers and modernizing related laws, with public consultation and transparent processes emphasized.
Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya has floated placing the Online Safety Commission under her ministry, arguing the change would boost resources, speed up processes, and deliver faster help to those affected by online harms—without undermining the OSC’s independence. She pointed to established examples where government ministries administer independent institutions for funding and legal administration, but do not meddle in day-to-day operations, such as the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission under the Attorney-General, FICAC under the Attorney-General, the FCCC under the Ministry of Trade, and the Accident Compensation Commission under the Ministry for Justice.
Tabuya reiterated that the OSC’s mandate already intersects with misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation through the Online Safety Act, and that administrative responsibility by the ministry would be aimed at strengthening the OSC rather than diluting its authority. She emphasized that the government would fund and provide legal administration, but would not interfere with the OSC’s investigations or decisions. “The same principle applies here,” she said.
She noted that she has discussed the idea with Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who reportedly agreed in principle. Kamikamica highlighted that the Ministry of Communications handles telecom regulation, data, consumer protection, and computer-related fraud, suggesting a broad framework within which the OSC could operate more effectively.
Tabuya sought to reassure the public that the OSC’s independence would be safeguarded by law, with no government interference in its decisions. She acknowledged concerns about independence and pledged to pursue changes transparently, with public consultation and concrete safeguards. Her stated goal is straightforward: strengthen the OSC to protect Fijians online while maintaining its impartiality.
Context from related coverage shows the OSC has been expanding its reach and collaborating with law enforcement. The commission has opened new offices to broaden access to online safety resources, particularly for people outside Suva, and maintains partnerships with the Fiji Police Force to support investigations into online harm. There is ongoing international cooperation, including joint work with the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children on cases involving CSAM, underscoring a broader push to protect children in the digital space.
Nevertheless, reform discussions surrounding the OSC’s powers have intensified in recent months. Critics and industry observers have questioned the commission’s ability to enforce penalties or compel platforms and service providers to remove harmful content, arguing that more robust powers are needed. Proposals circulating in public discourse include updating the Online Safety Act and modernizing the Telecommunications Act so the OSC can impose fines on telecoms and order takedowns of harmful material from social media platforms.
What this could mean going forward is a balance between strengthened resources and enforcement with strong safeguards to preserve independence. If enacted with transparent processes and clear lines of authority, the move could bolster victims’ support, improve rapid response to online threats, and enhance accountability across the digital ecosystem.
Commentary and implications:
– A more empowered OSC, backed by adequate funding and streamlined procedures, could shorten response times for victims and improve case outcomes.
– Maintaining independence will rely on robust legal safeguards and transparent oversight to prevent interference in investigations or adjudications.
– Public consultation and stakeholder engagement will be crucial to address concerns from civil society, the tech sector, and the public about potential impacts on how online harms are handled.
– The broader reform conversation—encompassing the Online Safety Act, platform takedown capabilities, and telecommunications regulation—will shape how the OSC operates in practice and its ability to deter perpetrators of online abuse.
What to watch next:
– The timeline and scope of any proposed administrative change, including legislative drafting and public consultation.
– Any amendments to the Online Safety Act or the Telecommunications Act that would empower enforcement actions by the OSC.
– Details on funding levels, staffing, and operational guidelines to ensure the OSC can maintain independence while benefiting from enhanced resources.
– Public and stakeholder feedback on safeguards designed to protect the OSC’s impartiality and decision-making integrity.
Overall, Tabuya’s proposal signals a pragmatic step toward strengthening Fiji’s online safety framework, with a focus on resources, timeliness, and victim support, while preserving the essential independence of the OSC through thoughtful safeguards. It also reflects a continuing national effort to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence and online harm through coordinated governance, law enforcement, and international cooperation.
Leave a comment