Freedom online: Fiji grapples with balancing expression and online harm, says lawyer Jon Apted
Constitutional Lawyer Jon Apted warns that a new era of unfettered online freedom following the end of a long-standing government has brought a darker, more malicious side to how Fijians interact on social media. Speaking at the Pacific Fiber Conference and Training in Nadi, Apted said that while many communities long ago learned norms of behavior and speech, there is no widely accepted standard for social media conduct.
There has been a significant shift in what people consider acceptable speech, Apted observed. Facebook remains the most popular platform in Fiji, hosting a variety of groups and pages such as Chat Fiji and its offshoots, where discussions range from positive and religious messaging to jokes—and increasingly, content that harms individuals. “Much of the content on these pages is positive, but there is increasingly malicious content that can be severely damaging to people,” he noted. He added that much of this harm arises from within our own cultural context, where freedom of speech has traditionally been contextual and governed by social cues. On social media, however, many users feel detached and fail to see the real-world impact of their posts, including the sharing of private photos, intimate details, and other personal material that invades privacy.
Apted highlighted that the rules around speech are often contextual in Fiji’s communities—acceptable in one setting may be inappropriate in another. On social media, there is no shared norm, leading some to say things they would never say face to face and to broadcast personal content to a global audience. This erosion of boundaries is contributing to a rise in online harassment and privacy violations.
His comments align with ongoing discussions about how online platforms can be made safer for everyone, particularly for women and LGBTQ+ individuals who have been disproportionately affected by trolling and the sharing of private images. Recent related commentary from Apted and other stakeholders underlines that existing laws could be used to hold wrongdoers accountable, but there are gaps in enforcement, funding, and public education. The Online Safety Commission has faced criticism for limited funding and staffing, which hampers its ability to effectively curb abuse and raise awareness about acceptable online behavior.
Looking ahead, Apted stressed that shutting down harmful forums is not a complete fix; the problem will simply migrate to other platforms. Instead, he advocates for a combination of better education, improved complaint handling, and, where necessary, prosecution of serious offenders. He called on the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission and the Online Safety Commission to lead public education about what freedom of speech really means—and where its limits lie.
The conversation about online conduct is interwoven with broader efforts to empower citizens to participate in public life. Activist groups, including the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, have urged authorities to crack down on online violence and to ensure that moderators of public forums are held accountable for hate speech. The debate remains essential as Fiji seeks to sustain a healthy democracy and a respectful online culture while protecting privacy and dignity.
What this means for readers
– Freedom of expression online is not absolute; it comes with responsibility and legal boundaries.
– There is a clear need for stronger funding and staffing for online safety bodies to educate the public and enforce rules.
– Public education, reporting mechanisms, and responsible platform moderation are key to reducing cyberbullying and safeguarding participation in public life, especially for women and marginalized groups.
– A balanced approach—education, enforcement, and digital literacy—offers a hopeful path toward a more respectful online environment without curbing legitimate expression.
Commentary and additional context
– The discussions in Fiji mirror a global challenge: how to reconcile open dialogue with protections against harassment and privacy violations on social media.
– Strengthening online safety resources, coupled with targeted public education campaigns, could empower more citizens—especially women—to engage in politics and community life without fear of abuse.
– As these issues evolve, collaboration among government bodies, civil society, and technology platforms will be crucial to creating norms that protect dignity while preserving free expression.
Summary in Fijian
Na Turaga ni iKoya: Na vuli kei na veika e dodonu me baleti na toroga online ena Viti
O Atsed Jon Apted, e tukuna ni sa voli na veika vakataraqa ni veivakadonui ena online ni sa curu mai vakalevu na draki ni gauna i liu. E tukuna ni sa levu na veivakadonui vei ira na tamata ena social media me vakataki Chat Fiji kei na Facebook, ia sa curu talega na veika me vakatovolei kina na marama kei ira na itovo vakasitivikotaki. E kerea me vakavulici kina na vanua me baleta na Online Safety Commission ka donu na vakabauti ni veitarogi me rawa ni vakavurea na veika ca ena online. E vakamacalataki talega na veituberi ni social media me tekivu mai na veika e veivakatorocaketaki ena veigauna ni veidokadoko kei na veika e vakavuna na kena leqataka na nodra olakova na itokani kei na itukutuku. E kaya ni na lavu na ituvaki ni valenikauyaki ni online keina tuvaturi, ia me da mai curu vata ki na veisau ni ivakadonui ena sala ni “eduction, enforcement, and accountability.”
Note: The Fijian summary above aims to capture the core points in a concise form. If you’d like, I can refine the translation for a particular dialect or audience.
Additional value and practical takeaways
– Encourage readers to learn about their privacy rights and reporting options on major platforms.
– Highlight the role of public education programs in schools and communities to foster responsible online behavior.
– Emphasize that safeguarding online spaces is a shared duty among individuals, platforms, and authorities to enable constructive dialogue and civic participation.
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