The Online Safety Commission in Fiji is calling on citizens to avoid sharing or taking screenshots of distressing posts related to a recent Facebook incident involving a child in a hospital. This post has raised public outrage due to the inclusion of homophobic remarks and other harmful comments aimed at the child, who is battling a serious health issue.
Commissioner Filipe Batiwale has expressed alarm over the potential emotional toll that sharing such content could inflict on the child, their family, and communities already facing vulnerability. He has noted that even well-meaning intentions behind sharing these posts can inadvertently amplify the harm and contribute to emotional distress.
Batiwale further clarified that the Online Safety Act of 2018 limits the Commission’s powers, preventing it from removing or shutting down posts on foreign-owned social media platforms like Facebook. He acknowledged the public desire for rapid action against harmful content but reinforced that such responsibilities lie with the platforms themselves and their content moderation protocols.
This situation serves as a crucial reminder of the impact of online behaviors, particularly in sensitive circumstances. The Commission is advocating for responsible use of social media, urging everyone to consider the consequences of their online actions.
The concerns raised reflect a broader trend of increasing toxic content on social media, highlighted in similar reports from the Commission indicating a surge in online abuse complaints over recent months. This year has seen greater collaboration with international partners and an ongoing review of the Online Safety Act to better address these pervasive online issues.
As Fiji navigates these challenges, there’s hope that heightened awareness and community responsibility will foster a safer online environment. Fostering education around the effects of online harm can contribute to healthier digital interactions, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
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