The Online Safety Commission has issued a cautionary message as discussions surrounding the Miss Fiji Pageant heat up, emphasizing the importance of responsible communication online to prevent emotional harm. The Commission recognizes that public dissatisfaction with decisions made by pageant officials or contestants is valid; however, it stresses the importance of expressing these concerns thoughtfully on social media and other digital platforms.
According to the Online Safety Act of 2018, inflicting harm through electronic communication is a criminal offense that can lead to severe consequences, including a potential five-year prison sentence and fines reaching $20,000. The Commission highlights that courts will assess the severity of language or imagery used, the distribution extent of the content, and the context of the remarks when determining whether serious emotional distress has occurred.
In light of this, the Commission calls on the public to reflect before they post, share, or circulate any comments, audio, or video content online. This initiative fosters a more respectful online environment, encouraging users to engage in constructive dialogue rather than contribute to negativity.