Fiji is facing a significant challenge due to a startling increase in pornography consumption, placing it among the highest consumers worldwide. Authorities are sounding the alarm about the consequences of this trend, which is contributing to addiction, harming children, and negatively impacting communities.
Recent statistics released by the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF) have unveiled the troubling extent of the issue. TAF Chief Executive Prit Chand shared that pornography constituted 1.3 percent of the nation’s internet traffic during the last two quarters of 2024. On average, Fijians consumed around 1360 terabytes of data for pornography—equivalent to 15 terabytes a day—amounting to an estimated FJ$130,000 every quarter. To put this into perspective, this volume could allow for the streaming of HD-quality movies continuously for 24 years or the downloading of 220 million e-books. Furthermore, pornographic traffic ranked between 11th and 25th among all internet categories in Fiji.
In response to these findings, the Fijian Government is committed to taking decisive action. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and the need for robust legislative measures. “There is enough data to show this is a significant issue,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s aim to create laws that can effectively address and mitigate the problem, including potentially blocking certain sites.
The rise in reports of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has also alarmed authorities. In 2023 alone, there were 3,638 reports of CSAM from Fiji to a U.S.-based cyber tip line, down from over 6,000 the previous year. Minister Kamikamica indicated that talks are underway to establish a specialized unit to investigate these reports further.
The Director of Children, Arieta Tagivetaua, highlighted the addictive nature of pornography, likening it to a drug and advocating for immediate protective measures. She reiterated the commitment to ban children’s access to pornography and stressed the importance of families reporting any concerns.
Additionally, Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran raised concerns about the increasing incidents of children being coerced into producing explicit images for financial gain. She noted that those failing to report such crimes could face significant fines, and that law enforcement will ramp up efforts to address these troubling behaviors.
In summary, Fiji is grappling with a serious societal issue regarding pornography consumption and its negative implications, especially for children. The government’s acknowledgment of the problem and willingness to implement laws reflect a hopeful promise of action aimed at protecting the community and its youth. Efforts to combat exploitation and support affected families are crucial steps in mitigating this crisis and fostering a safer environment for children.
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