Fiji OSC urges responsible online conduct and warns against sharing private messages
The Online Safety Commission (OSC) of Fiji has issued a firm reminder to the public about the risks of sharing private messages and personal information on social media without consent, following a notable uptick in posts that expose private communications online. The commission says such disclosures can cause humiliation, emotional distress, and broader harm to families and communities.
The OSC notes that not every post will meet the legal threshold for cyberbullying under the Online Safety Act 2018, but emphasizes that behind every online post is a real person with a family. Compassion and caution are urged as a core on which digital engagement should be built.
Platforms may feel like open forums, but they are not exempt from ethical standards or legal consequences. Sharing another person’s private information without consent can cause lasting harm, the OSC states, and privacy, dignity, and respect must guide how people interact online.
To ground online behavior in local values, the OSC highlights veirokorokovi (respect), veidokai (dignity), and veilomani (care for one another). The Commission urges anyone affected by harmful online behavior to come forward and lodge a complaint for action to be taken.
What you can do now
– Do not share private details or screenshots of others’ private lives without consent.
– If you encounter harmful content, report it to the platform and file a formal complaint with the OSC to trigger an investigation.
– If you are under 18, involve a parent or guardian or school when lodging complaints, as required by law.
– Preserve evidence (screenshots, URLs, timestamps) but avoid resharing content in ways that could amplify harm.
– If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, contact the police.
The OSC also emphasizes that while it has limited powers to remove content on platforms operated by international companies, it is pushing for legislative reform to expand investigative and enforcement capabilities and to consider a possible duty of care for online platforms and service providers. Cross-border cooperation with regional partners is viewed as a critical component of strengthening protections against harmful content that moves across platforms and borders.
In recent times, authorities have noted a rise in online abuse, including defamation and image-based abuse, with a particular impact on women and children. This has reinforced calls for stronger protections and better collaboration with national and international bodies to improve laws and enforcement.
Looking ahead, a hopeful path is emerging: ongoing legislative reviews, increased public awareness, and stronger interagency cooperation are expected to create a safer, more respectful online space for all Fijians. The OSC invites the public to engage in responsible online behavior, report concerns promptly, and support those who may be struggling with online harm.
What you can do next also includes practical steps to protect others and yourself:
– Do not engage with or reshare harmful posts.
– Block or leave pages and groups that promote hate or harassment.
– Use official reporting tools on platforms and file complaints with the OSC when appropriate.
– Verify information before sharing and avoid amplifying content that could harm others.
– If you are under 18, involve a parent or guardian when making formal complaints.
– Seek support from helplines or victim services if you are targeted by online abuse.
Editorial context and value-added notes for editors
– Consider adding direct quotes from OSC officials to emphasize urgency and nuance.
– Highlight practical tips for readers on verifying information, reporting abuse, and supporting affected individuals.
– If available, include references to recent prosecutions or successful deterrents to illustrate tangible outcomes.
– Where relevant, weave in examples from regional peers to illustrate how cross-border cooperation is shaping policy and enforcement.
Summary of key takeaways
The OSC is reinforcing the importance of privacy, dignity, and responsible online conduct, while acknowledging current limitations in enforcement. It is advocating for legislative reform and enhanced platform accountability, supported by public reporting and interagency cooperation aimed at reducing online harm and protecting vulnerable groups. The overarching message is one of cautious optimism: with continued education, stronger laws, and collaborative action, Fiji can foster safer digital spaces that uphold shared values and human dignity.
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