A National Taskforce aimed at combating pornography in Fiji has convened for the first time, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica and Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya.
This Taskforce, which received Cabinet endorsement earlier this year, unites key stakeholders from various sectors including government, private industry, civil society, and faith-based organizations. Its objective is to tackle the rising prevalence of pornographic content and its societal consequences, as well as the urgent issue of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
During the meeting, Tabuya emphasized the significance of a collective effort in addressing online exploitation, declaring that this gathering represents a crucial milestone in the commitment to protect children from the threats posed by online pornography.
Mereseini Rakuita, Principal Strategic Lead for Pacific Women and Girls at SPC, commented on the necessity of this Taskforce and the critical roles played by the government, regulatory bodies, policies, and commitments in confronting pornography in Fiji and possibly across the Pacific region.
The global porn industry generates an annual income close to $97 billion. Rakuita pointed out that Fiji ranks among the top 10 countries for internet searches related to pornography, citing data from an unspecified internet provider that revealed 626.13 terabytes of internet traffic used for viewing pornographic content in Fiji during the third quarter of 2023. To put this into perspective, 626.13 terabytes equals the data volume of 100 million books.
The NTAP Fiji meeting gathered diverse stakeholders to formulate comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating the effects 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 social media and internet use.
Through collaboration and collective efforts, this Taskforce aims to establish a nationwide approach to ensure the well-being of all Fijians and foster a healthier society.