Pornography is the new drug in Fiji, says Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya.
She said while Fiji was dealing with drug abuse, pornography has become a new drug.
“It has the same effects on the brain as methamphetamine and cocaine,” Ms Tabuya said.
“And so we need to deal with this new drug as well. So, we need to fight the new drug.”
Ms Tabuya said Cabinet had approved the creation of a pornography task force to look at the harmful effects of pornography.
“Pornography currently is still readily available on the internet.
“And so, the Government is committed and as a result, we have approved in Cabinet the creation of the pornography task force.”
Ms Tabuya said the co-chairs for the pornography task force would be the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and Ministry of Communications which would be in charge of the portal.
“It takes political will. Other countries have banned pornography as well. They just shut it from the portal.”
Ms Tabuya said Starlink (a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services) was coming into the country.
“Elon Musk is visiting us in October. I believe we need to be with that.
“And this is part of the Pornography Taskforce mandate, I believe, to educate our people on the responsible use of social media and the internet.”
Ms Tabuya said Telegram was also one of the apps which young girls were using to trade nude pictures.
“But that is in itself, if there is no consent given by the parent, it’s a crime.”
Ms Tabuya said the Pornography Taskforce would be tasked with looking at the general use of the internet in Fiji.
“I think there has to be a national campaign to raise awareness on the responsible use of the internet as we become more connected to the world.”
