THE Online Safety Commission (OSC) Fiji is intensifying its efforts to address the rising tide of online abuse and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) affecting individuals and families across Fiji.
In response to growing public demand for greater support and presence across the country, the OSC has announced that their new Western Division office will be opened soon.
OSC commissioner Filipe Batiwale said this marked a significant step forward in improving access to online safety services for communities outside of Suva.
“We’ve listened to the heartfelt concerns from families, parents, young people and communities across Fiji,” Mr Batiwale said.
“People want to feel safe online, to know that there’s someone they can turn to when harm happens, and we are responding to that call.”
He said OSC acknowledged the importance of strong, coordinated law enforcement responses to online harms.
“An existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Fiji Police Force continues to underpin this partnership.
“The OSC is actively working with the police under this framework to expand access to services and to ensure victims of online abuse, particularly vulnerable and marginalised communities, receive timely support and justice.”
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said collaboration and sharing of resources was the way forward in combatting digital threats transcending Fiji’s borders.
“The Fiji Police Force is appreciative of the OSC’s move to expand its capabilities as we also stand to benefit greatly under the current MOU,” Mr Tudravu said.
Through this collaboration, the OSC and the Police Cybercrime Unit are aligning efforts, sharing resources and strengthening investigations to combat serious digital threats facing Fijians.
As part of Fiji’s increasing engagement in international child protection efforts, the OSC has also partnered with the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Mr Batiwale said one of OSC’s staff, embedded within their team in close cooperation with the Fiji Police Force, was officially recognised and was working with NCMEC to receive and analyse CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) reports submitted by NCMEC.
“The growing presence of CSAM, including AI-generated child exploitation content, is deeply alarming.
“The OSC is unwavering in our commitment to protect Fijian children in the digital environment.
“Our work with NCMEC and Fiji Police ensures a fast, coordinated, and accountable response to these serious threats.”
