A National Taskforce aimed at combating pornography in Fiji has convened for the first time, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica, along with Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya.
Endorsed by the Cabinet earlier this year, the Taskforce has gathered key stakeholders from various sectors, including government, private organizations, civil society, and faith-based groups, to address the growing issue of pornographic content and its effects on society, as well as the critical matter of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
During the meeting, Minister Tabuya emphasized the need for a collaborative effort in the fight against online exploitation, asserting that this gathering represents a significant step in their commitment to protecting children from the threats posed by online pornography.
Mereseini Rakuita, the Principal Strategic Lead for Pacific Women and Girls at the SPC, noted the significance of the Taskforce, highlighting the roles of government, regulatory bodies, policies, and commitments necessary to tackle pornography in Fiji and potentially across the Pacific region.
The global pornography industry’s annual revenue is nearly $97 billion. Fiji ranks among the top ten countries with the highest rates of internet searches for pornography. An unnamed internet provider in Fiji reported that 626.13 terabytes of internet traffic were utilized for viewing pornography in the third quarter of 2023, a volume equivalent to the data contained in 100 million books.
The NTAP Fiji meeting facilitated collaboration among diverse stakeholders, aiming to create comprehensive strategies to address the impacts of pornography and illegal content, particularly focusing on child protection in the digital realm. The Taskforce will also explore effective methods to promote responsible internet and social media usage.
Through unified efforts, this Taskforce aspires to implement a nationwide approach that safeguards the well-being of all Fijians and fosters a healthier society.