Social media in Fiji has been described as notably harsh and sexist, particularly affecting women and LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. This observation was made by Constitutional Lawyer Jon Apted during a Panel Discussion focused on encouraging women’s participation in local government elections.
Apted pointed out that individuals frequently encounter personal images of themselves shared on social media without consent, particularly on platforms such as Chat Fiji and its various Facebook iterations. He noted that intimate photos, including private moments of couples, are often exploited, with accusations of infidelity being spread online.
He expressed concern that allowing such behaviors to persist creates significant barriers for women who might consider entering public life. Apted also mentioned existing legislation that could hold offenders accountable for harmful online posts.
However, he emphasized that there has been a lack of funding for the Online Safety Commission, which hinders its effectiveness in enforcing regulations and raising public awareness about acceptable online conduct. He argued that addressing these issues is crucial for empowering women to feel confident in participating in the public sphere.