A National Taskforce to Combat Pornography in Fiji has convened for the first time, led by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica, alongside Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya. This Taskforce, which received endorsement from the Cabinet earlier this year, has brought together key stakeholders from various sectors including government, private organizations, civil society, and faith groups to tackle the rise of pornographic content and its societal implications, as well as the critical issue of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
During the meeting, Minister Tabuya emphasized the necessity of a united approach to combat online exploitation, affirming that this gathering represents a significant step toward protecting children from the hazards of online pornography.
Mereseini Rakuita, Principal Strategic Lead – Pacific Women and Girls at SPC, remarked on the Taskforce’s significance, highlighting the government’s role, regulatory measures, and policies required to address the issue of pornography in Fiji and potentially throughout the Pacific region.
The global pornography industry generates nearly $97 billion annually. Fiji ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest rates of internet searches for pornography. According to an unnamed local internet provider, approximately 626.13 terabytes of internet traffic was allocated to viewing pornography in Fiji during the third quarter of 2023, equating to the data contained in 100 million books.
The NTAP Fiji meeting aimed to gather stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to craft comprehensive strategies that will mitigate the impacts of pornography and illegal content, with a particular focus on protecting children in the digital environment. The Taskforce will also explore effective methods to promote responsible internet and social media usage.
Through collaborative efforts, the Taskforce aims to establish a nationwide strategy to enhance the well-being of all Fijians and foster a healthier society.