The Ministry of Women is initiating a gender analysis of the Online Safety Act due to the Online Safety Commission’s lack of authority to impose penalties for technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Minister Lynda Tabuya criticized the commission for functioning only as a reporting channel for cyberbullying complaints, which are then sent to the Cybercrime Unit of the Fiji Police Force.
Tabuya emphasized that the commission lacks the necessary enforcement power to take action against social media platforms like Facebook or Telegram when issues arise. She indicated the need to amend the law to empower the commission to impose fines on telecommunications companies or mandate the removal of harmful posts by Facebook page owners.
This initiative is part of the broader efforts of a task force focused on pornography-related issues, as the government seeks to review the Online Safety Act and other related legislation. Tabuya pointed out that the Telecommunications Act requires modernization, as it currently prioritizes individual privacy, which can hinder police investigations.
As discussions around public safety intensify, particularly regarding child pornography and the protection of minors, Tabuya asserted the urgency of addressing these matters to safeguard women and children from online exploitation. She noted that women experience greater risks online, facing ten times more harassment than men, particularly when participating in elections, which can discourage their involvement in leadership.
In conclusion, Tabuya encouraged women aspiring to lead to remain firm in their convictions and to develop strategies to cope with online attacks.