The Online Safety Commission in Fiji has come under scrutiny due to its limited powers under the current Online Safety Act of 2018. Commissioner Filipe Batiwale recently highlighted concerns following the circulation of homophobic and abusive comments directed at a child on social media, which was especially alarming given the family’s plea for financial support for the child’s surgery. Batiwale expressed his disbelief at the lack of compassion displayed by certain users, urging the public to respond with kindness rather than hostility.
While the public has been vocal about wanting swift action against harmful online content, Batiwale reiterated that the Commission lacks the legal authority to remove posts or close groups on platforms such as Facebook, which are governed by their own community standards. This situation underscores the necessity for a review of the Online Safety Act to address gaps related to hate-based and gender-based cyber abuse.
The Commission has started a legislative review in collaboration with the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Fiji Law Reform Commission, aiming to explore the potential to expand the scope of the law to cover a wider range of online risks. Batiwale has also urged Fijians not to share screenshots of harmful remarks, as doing so could inadvertently amplify the distress caused to the affected individuals.
Recent data has shown a significant uptick in reports of online abuse, particularly among younger demographics. The Commission has noted growing instances of complaints related to defamation, image-based abuse, and other forms of cyber harm, especially targeting vulnerable groups like children and women. This reflects a troubling trend within the online landscape that demands collective action and awareness from the community.
As Fiji faces these challenges, there is hope that ongoing legislative reform and heightened public awareness will lead to a safer digital environment. Promoting education around online behavior can encourage more responsible interactions and foster a supportive atmosphere in digital spaces. The commitment to reform and collaboration presents an opportunity for progress in mitigating online harms and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
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