The Online Safety Commission in Fiji has reported a concerning surge in complaints regarding online abuse, particularly over the past six months. Commissioner Filipe Batiwale revealed that the age group most frequently reporting these issues is 25-34, followed closely by those aged 18-24 and 35-44. The most commonly reported offenses include defamatory remarks on social media platforms, with Facebook being the primary site for these harmful interactions.
Batiwale emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “It has been growing significantly in the last six months, especially with a lot of complaints involving children.” He pointed out the alarming prevalence of image-based abuse, particularly affecting women and school-age children, which highlights the pressing need for more conscientious online behavior.
One of the significant challenges noted by Batiwale is encouraging young Fijians to report online abuse, as the law necessitates that anyone under 18 must have either parental or educational consent to lodge a complaint with the Commission. In light of these growing concerns, the Online Safety Act is currently under review to better address the evolving landscape of online risks.
This report aligns with earlier findings about the rising toxic content and scams on social media, especially regarding the need for stricter regulations and enhanced collaboration with international entities. The Commission is engaged in discussions with partners in Australia and New Zealand to better manage harmful content that crosses borders.
There is also ongoing concern regarding the Commission’s power to enforce penalties against social media platforms for the content shared within their networks. Minister Lynda Tabuya has previously called for reforms to empower the Commission fully so that it can take decisive action against harmful online content effectively, particularly for the protection of women and children.
These developments indicate a growing awareness and proactive stance within the community, reflecting a collective commitment to creating a safer digital environment for all Fijians. By fostering education around online safety and urging reporting of abuses, there is hope for a more secure digital landscape in Fiji as improvements are made in legislation and enforcement practices.
Leave a comment