The Online Safety Commission in Fiji is stepping up its efforts to secure the authority to prosecute cases in collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This initiative aims to improve access to justice for Fijians and bolster the Commission’s ability to tackle online safety issues more effectively.
Commissioner Filipe Batiwale acknowledged that although the Commission currently does not possess direct prosecutorial powers, both the DPP’s office and the Fiji Police Force have played vital roles in assisting the Commission’s efforts. “To have some sort of effective resolution in terms of prosecutorial powers where we can work with the DPP to streamline the service we provide and bring access to justice for everyone,” Batiwale emphasized.
The Commission has been successful in taking down harmful online content, which demonstrates their commitment to addressing issues like cyberbullying. Moreover, Batiwale stated that they are actively exploring alternatives to help victims of online abuse find justice.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication, Manoa Kamikamica, assured the public that steps are being taken to strengthen the Commission by aligning its Act with international standards. He remarked, “So there’s an exercise at the moment to get the legislation strengthened, and then that will enable us to police some of the concerns around online safety, you know, like cyberbullying and things like that.”
In conjunction with their prosecutorial ambitions, the Commission recognizes the need to enhance public awareness regarding how to file complaints under the existing framework. They are limited to acting within their legal authority, but any intentional harm caused through electronic communication constitutes an offense under the Online Safety Act.
This proactive approach reflects a growing commitment within the Fijian government and the Online Safety Commission to foster a secure and respectful online environment, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and women. The ongoing collaboration between various agencies and the community’s increasing awareness of online safety issues are encouraging signs of progress toward creating a safer digital landscape for all Fijians.
Leave a comment