A woman is facing sentencing after making several defamatory posts about another individual on a public Facebook forum, a case highlighted by the Online Safety Commission. The Commission revealed that a significant portion of the complaints it handles pertains to online defamation, particularly on platforms like Facebook and TikTok.
During a recent session in the Suva Magistrates Court, the Online Safety Commission presented its findings regarding the case against Archaal Devi, who has been charged with causing harm through electronic communication. This case marks the first instance of an individual being prosecuted under the Online Safety Act for such behavior.
The Commission reported an alarming tally of 873 complaints concerning defamatory content on Facebook, alongside additional issues arising from videos shared on TikTok. In light of the severity of the situation, the Commission’s representative argued for a sentence ranging from two to four years in prison, or a fine of $20,000, or both, aimed at deterring similar offenses in the future. Meanwhile, the State has proposed a custodial sentence of six to eleven months.
Arguments presented in court indicated that Devi acted with the intention to harm the complainant. However, her legal counsel has offered to pay a $5,000 fine and plans to make further submissions regarding the case.
The proceedings have been postponed until March 20th, offering a moment for reflection on the implications of online defamation and the ongoing efforts to enhance digital safety. Cases like this serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with social media use, underscoring the importance of respectful communication in digital spaces.
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