Freedom of expression does not include the license to harm others, asserts prominent Suva lawyer Jon Apted, who has a significant public following on social media.
Apted noted that social media has become “more toxic” in recent months.
Traditionally, people did not enjoy freedom of speech, and social media platforms like Facebook seem to offer people the freedom to say what they want for the first time in their lives, Apted explained.
“But they don’t realize that by law, freedom of speech is not absolute. Freedom of speech does not include freedom to harm others,” Apted stated.
He pointed out that most people who violate the law on sites like Chat Fiji are unaware they are breaking the law.
“They genuinely believe they’re entitled to act that way. It’s important to inform people that no, it’s not your right to say things that can harm others,” he said.
While the public is entitled to express their beliefs about issues, this right does not extend to using platforms to share harmful statements, images, or recordings.
“The law doesn’t allow you to shame and belittle people like nasty village gossip. That’s not what freedom of speech is about. The law will protect people from the abuse of freedom of speech,” he emphasized.
Recently, there was heavy speculation on social media that the tragic death of 37-year-old local social media influencer, Esala Seru, was due to alleged cyberbullying.
Police confirmed his death was an alleged suicide, though the circumstances leading to his untimely passing are still under investigation.
Assistant Police Commissioner – Crime Mesake Waqa stated that they could not speculate on the circumstances surrounding Seru’s death as it forms part of the ongoing investigation.
Questions sent to the Online Safety Commission about Seru’s passing remained unanswered.