The Online Safety Commission in Fiji has reported a concerning surge in toxic content and fraud on Facebook, with harmful posts appearing both locally and from international sources. Commissioner Filipe Batiwale has acknowledged the complexities of addressing online harm, particularly since many of the scams and harmful content originate outside of Fiji.
To combat this rising trend, the Commission intends to enhance regulations and foster collaboration with international partners, especially with agencies in Australia and New Zealand. Batiwale stated, “We’re already in talks with New Zealand and Australian agencies to collaborate, particularly concerning the import and export of harmful materials like child sexual abuse content that cross our borders.”
In addition to strengthening partnerships, the Online Safety Commission is focusing on raising awareness and providing support to victims of online abuse. A review of the Online Safety Act 2018 and related legal frameworks is currently underway, aiming to implement necessary reforms to combat cyber abuse effectively.
Concerns about the effectiveness of the Online Safety Commission have been raised, particularly regarding its authority to impose penalties on social media platforms like Facebook and Telegram. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, emphasized the need for reforms to empower the Commission further, allowing it to take decisive action against harmful online content and protect the most vulnerable.
The ongoing initiatives demonstrate a commitment to creating safer online environments for Fijians, particularly women and children, who are disproportionately affected by online harassment and cybercrime. With increasing collaboration and reform, there is hope for a more secure digital landscape in Fiji.
Overall, these developments indicate a proactive approach to addressing online risks, with the potential to foster a safer community equipped to handle the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital world.
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