The Fiji Times on September 30 highlights the ongoing FICAC saga, with several prominent leaders in Fiji supporting the Prime Minister’s call for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate serious accusations made by former acting deputy commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai.
In another story, a recent survey revealed that 70% of urban households and businesses in Fiji are open to investing in solar systems using their own finances, while 50% are interested in loan or subscription models for acquiring such systems.
In the realm of online safety, Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya has expressed concerns over the Online Safety Commission’s lack of enforcement powers. She criticized the commission for functioning mainly as a reporting desk for cyberbullying complaints, which are forwarded to the Fiji Police Force’s Cybercrime Unit. Tabuya emphasized that the commission must be reformed to gain the authority to impose fines on telecommunications companies or compel social media platforms to remove harmful content.
She underscored the urgency of addressing the limitations of the Online Safety Commission, particularly regarding its role in combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Tabuya pointed out that women face harassment online at rates ten times higher than men, especially those who participate in elections.
The minister advocates for legislative reforms to empower the commission, revise the Telecommunications Act, and address the increasing issue of online harassment. She stressed the importance of creating a safer digital environment where everyone can engage without fear.
Tabuya’s insights call for a collective effort to foster an online culture that prioritizes respect and equality, encouraging community leadership to support this mission.