Assistant Police Commissioner (Crime) Mesake Waqa says youths nowadays are heavy users of the internet, and that harassment was on the rise because of inappropriate social media content.
He told the Pacific Fiber Conference and Training in Nadi that many platforms treat young users as adults.
“So, therefore, it is prudent that a social media platform has to create a room on digital awareness for the users to avoid those things – harmful materials.”
ACP Waqa emphasised that artificial intelligence (AI) needs to be designed to ensure the dignity of a person is respected.
He said social and psychological issues affection had become inevitable in Fiji
“We’ve recorded several cases in which victims online took their own lives or attempted to take their own life.
“Some went through difficult moments while some were managing it silently.”
Reflecting on privacy and security, ACP Waqa said this was an issue for all law enforcement agencies when dealing with private companies.
“Big private companies, privacy is an issue when we weigh privacy and security.
“This needs collaboration between law enforcement and private companies.
“Cross border issues have also been an emerging issue in Fiji and is always a challenge for law enforcement in the Pacific considering the lack of co-operation through law enforcement across the border.”