Communications Minister Manoa Kamikamica has forwarded the case involving Filipe Batiwale, the newly appointed Online Safety Commissioner, to the Solicitor-General for further assessment. This step comes in the wake of allegations claiming that Batiwale took part in an online conversation that defamed another individual.
Kamikamica clarified that according to legal advice from police counsel, the incident is classified as a civil matter rather than a criminal one. He stated, “What we have done in the ministry is just hand it to the Solicitor-General to have a look, but until that comes back, we don’t do anything.” He also highlighted his differing viewpoint from the police’s classification, mentioning that Batiwale’s discussions were private, which adds complexity to the situation due to the leak of this information.
Batiwale, who began his tenure on February 3, 2025, faces accusations from a villager regarding the dissemination of harmful rumors on social media regarding their personal life, particularly allegations surrounding the individual’s sexuality. As this case evolves, it poses a challenge to public trust in Batiwale and the Online Safety Commission. Critics warn that these allegations may undermine the agency’s credibility—a critical aspect of its mission to safeguard digital rights, especially in light of Batiwale’s expertise in cyber law.
Kamikamica’s referral to legal counsel demonstrates a commitment to ensuring transparency in the situation. The developments may promote enhanced accountability within the Online Safety Commission, potentially resulting in a stronger framework for safeguarding online interactions. There is hope that this incident will facilitate open discussions and reinforce the Commission’s fundamental role in promoting online safety for all individuals in Fiji.
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