The Online Safety Commission (OSC) in Fiji has released new data highlighting Suva City as the leading location for online safety-related reports, with 42 cases documented in June 2025. The report, published on September 17, covers submissions from across Fiji, including international and anonymous inputs. Following Suva, urban centers like Lautoka City and Nadi Town also show significant report numbers, likely due to higher internet use and growing public awareness.
Facebook was implicated in nearly half of all reports, with 62 accounts leading over other social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Messenger. Online bullying remains the most common complaint, making up about 39% of the reports, followed by issues with fake accounts, defamatory comments, and miscellaneous concerns.
The OSC expressed continued concern over fake accounts linked to harassment and identity misuse. The figures from June 2025 match ongoing trends revealed in earlier reports, indicating a systemic issue with online abuse in Fiji, particularly around social media platforms. This is despite efforts by the Commission to address such challenges.
The pattern of incidents reported aligns with previous observations by Commissioner Filipe Batiwale, who acknowledged the surge in online abuse, especially among young people. There has been repeated criticism of social networks, primarily Facebook, for being venues of these harmful activities, further calling for legal reforms and enhanced international cooperation to manage these challenges effectively.
Tackling these complex issues requires the Commission and policymakers to push for stronger reforms. Minister Lynda Tabuya and the government have advocated for empowering the Commission with the necessary authority to combat these digital threats decisively, focusing especially on vulnerable populations, such as women and children.
As Fiji continues to deal with these modern complications, there remains optimism for improvement. The collective efforts toward legislative reviews, collaborations with regional partners, and public education campaigns aim to foster a safer digital environment. Thus, there is hope that increased awareness and reporting can carve a more secure online landscape in Fiji, protecting both the youth and susceptible groups from exploitation and harm.