Fiji’s call for responsible social media usage is gaining momentum as officials urge the public to avoid sharing personal conflicts and private moments online, a practice that could have damaging consequences for those involved. Shamima Ali, the Coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, highlighted this increasing issue of online abuse, stressing that it undermines humanity and respect—core values within Fijian society.
Ali pointed out, “This shows a serious lack of compassion and respect for people, which is supposed to be the Fijian way of life. The law is very serious about this, and online safety commissioners are determined to stop such behavior.” She urged victims of online abuse to seek help from the available support services, emphasizing that timely intervention can mitigate harm.
Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran, echoed Ali’s sentiments, labeling the public display of personal matters on social media as a growing national concern. Kiran remarked that this behavior not only damages relationships but also erodes trust within communities. She suggested that individuals feeling violated should report incidents to the Online Safety Commission and utilize the crisis center hotline for immediate assistance.
The Online Safety Commission, led by Commissioner Filipe Batiwale, has been vocal about the increasing trend of disseminating private communications without consent. Batiwale reiterated that while not all incidents fulfill the legal definition of cyberbullying, they can still inflict significant emotional distress on victims. The Commission urges individuals to consider the repercussions of their online actions and emphasizes the importance of privacy, dignity, and mutual respect in digital interactions.
Concerns surrounding online behavior have escalated, especially in cases affecting vulnerable groups, including women and children. Previous reports have indicated a rise in image-based abuse and online harassment incidents, prompting calls for legislative reforms that would bolster protections for victims. Current discussions include enhancing the Online Safety Act to address these urgent challenges and enforce stricter penalties for offenders.
The involvement of community and governmental efforts in creating awareness about responsible online conduct is essential as Fiji seeks to foster a safer digital environment. Ongoing engagement and education efforts hold the promise of transforming Fiji’s online landscape, aiming for a society where digital interactions prioritize respect and protection for all individuals.