Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection in Fiji, has called on the public to stay alert regarding the implications of technological advancements and enhanced internet access for Fijians. This advisory comes in light of a new partnership between Vodafone Fiji and Starlink, which promises to improve connectivity in rural and maritime communities.
Despite the progress this partnership represents for Fiji’s telecommunications infrastructure, Minister Tabuya cautioned that it could also lead to an increase in searches and access to pornography. She highlighted that Fiji currently ranks fourth in Google trends for searches related to adult content, with such sites accounting for some of the top data traffic in the country.
As the co-chair for the anti-pornography taskforce, Tabuya urged telecommunication companies and relevant stakeholders to take initiative by organizing community awareness sessions. These sessions would focus on promoting responsible internet and social media use while addressing the detrimental effects of excessive screen time and the risks associated with pornography.
Tabuya emphasized the need for citizens to be equipped with knowledge and skills to safely navigate the digital landscape, especially as the nation prepares for potential increases in technology-facilitated gender-based violence and violence against children. She stressed the importance of implementing protective measures alongside improved digital infrastructure to safeguard families and communities.
Through a culture of awareness and responsibility, she believes the benefits of enhanced connectivity can be harnessed positively, ultimately promoting the well-being of families and the community at large.
In summary, as technological access expands in Fiji, proactive measures and education are crucial to ensure these advancements do not negatively impact social responsibilities and the safety of vulnerable populations. By fostering a responsible digital culture, Fiji has the potential to utilize technology for overall societal betterment.
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