Fiji’s Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya has identified pornography as a significant social issue, likening it to a new form of drug abuse in the country. She noted that pornography can have effects on the brain similar to those of methamphetamine and cocaine, highlighting the urgency to address this issue.
In a response to the growing concern, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a task force focused on investigating the detrimental impacts of pornography. Minister Tabuya pointed out that pornography remains easily accessible on the internet and emphasized the government’s commitment to tackle this challenge.
The Pornography Taskforce will be co-chaired by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and the Ministry of Communications, which will oversee the portal related to the initiative. Tabuya mentioned that political will is essential, citing examples of other nations that have successfully banned pornography by restricting access at the portal level.
The minister also referenced the upcoming introduction of Starlink, a satellite internet service, highlighting the need for education on responsible internet usage as part of the task force’s mandate. Additionally, she noted the prevalence of applications like Telegram, which are being used by young girls to share nude images, stressing that such actions could be criminal without parental consent.
Tabuya expressed the necessity for a national campaign aimed at raising awareness about responsible internet use as Fiji becomes increasingly connected to the global community.