The lead story in The Fiji Times on Monday, September 30, focuses on the ongoing FICAC saga, where several prominent leaders in Fiji have supported the Prime Minister’s proposal for a Commission of Inquiry. This inquiry seeks to investigate serious claims made by former acting deputy commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai.
In another story, a recent survey has revealed that 70% of urban households and businesses in Fiji are open to investing their own funds in solar systems for their properties. Additionally, 50% of respondents expressed interest in loan or subscription models to acquire such systems.
Concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of the Online Safety Commission. The Ministry of Women has indicated that the commission lacks the authority to enforce penalties or issue directives to platforms such as Facebook and Telegram. This limitation has prompted the ministry to conduct a gender analysis of the Online Safety Act.
Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, highlighted that the commission currently functions merely as a reporting channel for cyberbullying complaints, which are then referred to the Fiji Police Force’s Cybercrime Unit. This statement underscores significant concerns about the commission’s ability to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
Minister Tabuya emphasized the necessity of reviewing the law to empower the commission to impose fines on telecommunications companies and compel social media page owners to remove harmful content. She pointed out that the current Telecommunications Act disproportionately prioritizes individual privacy over public safety, which is a critical concern considering that women experience online attacks at a rate ten times greater than men, especially those involved in electoral politics.
The minister’s remarks indicate an urgent need for reform to enhance the Online Safety Commission’s capabilities in addressing online gender-based violence effectively. By modernizing the Telecommunications Act and giving the commission the power to take decisive action, there is potential to provide better protection for individuals, particularly women and children, against the risks present in the digital environment.
The prevalence of cyberbullying is alarmingly high, raising questions about additional actions that can be taken to address these challenges beyond the minister’s suggestions. It calls for concerted efforts to foster a safer online space, where individuals can engage freely without the threat of harassment, reflecting a commitment to equality and respect for all.
It is crucial to support initiatives that promote leadership and community engagement while advocating for changes that address these pressing issues.