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Illustration of Call for Responsible Internet Use

Fiji’s Digital Dilemma: Balancing Connectivity and Safety

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Minister Lynda Tabuya, responsible for Women, Children, and Social Protection in Fiji, has called on the public to remain cautious regarding the implications of advancing technology and increasing internet connectivity among Fijians. Her comments come in light of a recent collaboration between Vodafone Fiji and Starlink, which aims to enhance telecommunications infrastructure, particularly benefiting rural and maritime communities.

While the partnership promises significant improvements in connectivity, Ms. Tabuya raised concerns over potential negative effects, particularly the rise in internet searches for pornographic content. According to Google trends, Fiji ranks fourth in the world for the percentage of searches related to pornography, with adult content being one of the top ten categories driving data traffic in the country.

As co-chair of the anti-pornography taskforce, Ms. Tabuya emphasized the need for telecom companies and stakeholders to take proactive steps. She encouraged the organization of awareness sessions in local communities that promote responsible internet use, address the detrimental impacts of excessive screen time, and highlight the dangers associated with pornography.

To safely navigate the evolving digital landscape, it is vital that citizens are equipped with the right knowledge and tools. Ms. Tabuya warned of the potential rise in technology-facilitated gender-based violence and violence against children as connectivity improves. She stressed the importance of implementing protective measures alongside enhanced infrastructure, advocating for a collective effort to ensure that the benefits of improved connectivity do not compromise social responsibilities and family well-being.

The Minister emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility, suggesting that harnessing technology’s power can lead to positive outcomes for society as a whole.

In summary, Minister Tabuya’s call to action highlights the dual-edge sword of technological advancement: while it can greatly enhance connectivity and access to information, it also poses significant risks that require community awareness and proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations. By focusing on education and responsibility, Fiji can leverage technology for the greater good while safeguarding its communities.


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