The Online Safety Commission of Fiji is sounding the alarm over a growing trend of private communications and personal information being shared on social media. Commissioner Filipe Batiwale said such disclosures can lead to humiliation, emotional distress, and in some cases have devastating effects on individuals and their families. He stressed that privacy, dignity and respect are fundamental to safe online behavior.
Batiwale noted that exposing details of someone’s private life without their consent may not always meet the legal threshold of cyberbullying under the Online Safety Act 2018, but it can still cause serious social harm. The Act makes it an offence to post electronic communications that cause harm, including harassment, intimidation or humiliation. The law also provides protection from discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation.
“We remind the public that privacy, dignity and respect are fundamental to safe online behavior. Outing or shaming or exposing details about someone’s private life without their consent is not acceptable, even though it may not meet the legal threshold of cyberbullying under the Online Safety Act. In Fiji, everyone is protected from discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation,” the Commissioner said in a formal statement.
Social stigma remains a real obstacle, and people can feel especially vulnerable when private matters are aired publicly. Batiwale encouraged anyone harmed by harmful online behavior to report it to the Commission. He also noted that in cases where there are risks to life or safety, the Fiji Police are the lead agency, with the Commission supporting their work as part of its mandate. The Commission remains committed to ensuring a safe, responsible and respectful digital space for all.
To strengthen the response to online harm, the Commission has also highlighted practical steps for the public: do not resharing or amplify harmful content, and report incidents using the official complaint process so investigations can begin. While the Commission has limited powers to remove posts on platforms run by international companies, it is actively pursuing legislative reform to expand its investigative and enforcement capabilities and to consider a possible duty of care for online platforms and service providers.
Recent reports show a rising tide of online abuse in Fiji, with defamation and image-based abuse being among the most common complaints. The threat disproportionately affects women and children, underscoring the need for stronger protections and cross-border cooperation with regional partners to manage harmful content that moves across platforms and borders. Authorities are also exploring collaboration with bodies like national anti-harassment task forces and international counterparts to improve laws and enforcement.
Despite the challenges, there is a hopeful path forward. Ongoing legislative reviews, increased public awareness, and stronger interagency and cross-border cooperation are aimed at creating a safer, more respectful online environment for all Fijians. The Commission invites the public to engage in responsible online behavior, to report concerns promptly, and to support those who may be struggling with online harm.
What you can do
– Do not share private details or screenshots of others’ private lives without consent.
– If you encounter harmful content, report it to the platform and file a formal complaint with the Online Safety Commission to trigger action.
– If you are under 18, involve a parent or guardian or school when lodging complaints, as required by law.
– Preserve evidence (screenshots, URLs, timestamps) but avoid resharing content in ways that could amplify harm.
– If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, contact the police.
Summary: The Online Safety Commission is reinforcing the importance of privacy, dignity and responsible online conduct while acknowledging the limits of current powers. It is pushing for legislative reform and greater platform accountability, backed by public reporting and interagency cooperation to reduce online harm and protect vulnerable groups. There is a clear focus on turning awareness into safer online spaces through legal updates, rigorous reporting, and community support.
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