The Fiji Police Force, led by Assistant Police Commissioner (Crime) Mesake Waqa, is working closely with the Online Safety Commission to curb online abuse of women and children on social media. Waqa outlined the collaboration during Pacific Cyber Week events in Nadi, stressing that the cybercrime unit’s work spans investigations and prevention.
The police’s dedicated online child investigations team at the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters in Suva prosecutes cybercrime offences, including online harm and breaches of the Online Safety Act across Fiji. Beyond investigations, the cybercrime unit prioritises public awareness through community policing programs, taking online safety messages to grassroots audiences in villages and settlements in the languages people understand. The team also participates in radio and TV talkback shows to educate the public on cyber safety and online harm.
This emphasis on awareness and prevention sits within a broader national effort to strengthen online safety. The Online Safety Commission has been expanding its reach, including plans to open a new office in Fiji’s Western Division to extend support outside Suva and respond to growing public demand for resources and assistance. The Commission’s work with the Fiji Police Force underlines a shared commitment to timely help for victims and robust investigations into online abuse and gender‑based violence facilitated by technology.
Across Fiji, authorities are underscoring the need to reform the legal framework to match the pace of digital crime. Stakeholders have called for stronger prosecutorial powers for the Commission, closer cooperation with the Director of Public Prosecutions, and streamlined processes to bring offenders to account. There is also ongoing dialogue with international partners, including Australia and New Zealand, on how to manage cross‑border online harms and the import/export of harmful materials such as AI‑generated abuse. These discussions accompany reviews of the Online Safety Act 2018 and related laws to bolster enforcement and platform accountability.
Public awareness remains a core pillar of Fiji’s strategy. Campaigns to educate responsible online behavior, encourage reporting of abuses, and provide victim support reflect a hopeful trajectory toward a safer digital environment. Authorities acknowledge that while progress is being made, sustained funding, capacity, and cross‑agency collaboration are essential to translate policy into concrete protections for women and children online.
Context and analysis
– The combined efforts of the Police cybercrime unit and the Online Safety Commission illustrate a multi‑agency approach that prioritizes prevention, education, and rapid response.
– Ongoing reforms and international collaboration aim to close gaps in enforcement, including giving more powers to pursue penalties against platforms and offenders.
– Expanding the OSC’s footprint, enhancing prosecutorial pathways, and strengthening cross‑border cooperation are signals that Fiji is pursuing a comprehensive upgrade to its online safety regime.
– Community outreach in local languages and grassroots venues remains crucial to improving reporting rates and ensuring vulnerable groups access support.
Positive outlook: With continued interagency coordination, legislative reform, and public education, Fiji’s digital safety landscape is moving toward stronger protections for women and children and a more accountable online environment overall. If these efforts scale effectively, victims can expect more timely assistance, clearer paths to justice, and safer online spaces.
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