The Women in Media (WiM) Fiji conference recently featured a compelling discussion led by veteran journalist Lice Movono, who confronted the Online Safety Commission’s (OSC) approach to dealing with online abuse and victim support. Movono argued that the commission’s current practices shift responsibility onto victims rather than advocating for systematic safeguards and legal action against perpetrators of online abuse.
Her comments came in response to remarks by OSC official Tajeshwari Devi, who had highlighted the need for victims to develop resilience after pursuing legal action, often facing re-traumatization during the process. Movono refuted this perspective, describing it as a “cop out” and stressing the need for strong protective measures, including legal safeguards that allow media coverage of cases without aggravating the victim’s trauma.
The discussion underscored a significant issue in Fiji, where even government officials have admitted that the commission struggles to exert influence over large tech companies, dampening its ability to protect individuals effectively. In her defense, Devi mentioned that the Online Safety Act is currently under review to enhance the commission’s powers to include prosecutorial authority and regulatory oversight over tech platforms.
Movono’s critiques align with earlier discussions at the conference emphasizing the need for legislative reforms to empower the OSC further. Media leaders like Rashika Kumar and Vijay Narayan echoed these sentiments, arguing that the commission lacks the necessary enforcement capabilities to adequately address increasing online harassment, particularly targeting female journalists.
Furthermore, Minister Lynda Tabuya has been vocal about the urgent need for reforms that would allow the OSC to impose penalties and direct actions against offenders, thereby creating a safer digital environment for all, especially marginalized groups like women and children. The collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders signal a growing movement towards strengthening protections against online abuse in Fiji.
This collective advocacy emphasizes not only the immediate need for reforms but also a broader cultural shift toward ensuring a safer, more inclusive online space. By addressing these pressing concerns, Fiji can move closer to providing a digital landscape where everyone can engage freely and without fear of harassment.
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