The Online Safety Commissioner of Fiji, Filipe Batiwale, has announced that a review of the Online Safety Act 2018 is underway to bolster protections against online abuse. This review aims to explore the potential for a ‘duty of care’ to be imposed on online platforms and internet service providers to mitigate online harm.
In a recent statement, Batiwale emphasized that discussions are ongoing with the Attorney-General’s Chambers to expand the scope of the Commission’s investigative and enforcement powers. His call for reform is a response to public outcry on social media, where users have voiced concerns regarding harmful content, including homophobic remarks about a critically ill child seeking medical assistance.
“Many people think we can remove content or shut down pages — but under the current laws, we do not have that power,” Batiwale explained, highlighting the limitations of the Commission’s authority, which primarily relies on cooperation from social media platforms. “This can be frustrating, but it’s important to understand that as a statutory body, we are bound by the laws given to us by Parliament.”
The Commissioner urged Fijians to act with empathy and responsibility online, emphasizing that the treatment of individuals in distress should reflect the values of compassion and support. The Commission advocates for a cautious approach to sharing distressing content and encourages reporting such instances directly to their office.
The alarming increase in reports of online abuse underscores the need for legislative reforms to adequately address issues of hate speech, image-based abuse, and other forms of online harassment, especially among marginalized groups like children and women. Batiwale’s comments reflect a broader trend of rising concerns around toxic content on social media platforms, particularly as the Commission has noted a spike in complaints over the past several months.
In light of these challenges, there is hope that proposed reforms will lead to stronger protections and a more supportive online environment for all Fijians. By fostering community awareness and responsible online behavior, Fiji can move towards a digital landscape that prioritizes safety and respect.
To report harmful content, individuals can visit the Online Safety Commission’s website or contact them through provided email and phone numbers for assistance.
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