Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua has expressed serious concern over the increasing circulation of degrading and abusive material on social media in Fiji, warning that online harassment can have lasting consequences for victims and their families.
In a ministerial statement, Mr Naivalurua condemned the sharing of humiliating photographs, videos, personal attacks and graphic content, saying the suffering of others should never be treated as entertainment.
“I am deeply concerned by the increasingly degrading and abusive material being published and shared on social media in Fiji,” he said.
“We are seeing personal attacks, cruel commentary, humiliating photographs and videos, and graphic content circulated with little thought for the people affected.”
He said the practice must end.
“Too often, another person’s embarrassment or suffering is treated as entertainment. This must stop.”
Mr Naivalurua reminded social media users that the harm caused by online humiliation could continue long after offensive material had been removed.
“Behind every image, video or post is a person, a family and a community. The harm caused by sharing humiliating material can continue long after a post has been deleted.”
He said Fiji’s traditional values of respect, dignity, veidokai and veilomani should also guide people’s behaviour on digital platforms.
The minister stressed that freedom of expression did not provide protection from the consequences of threats, harassment or other unlawful conduct.
“Freedom of expression includes the right to disagree and criticise. It does not mean that threats, harassment or other unlawful conduct are beyond consequence,” he said.
“And not everything that is legal is decent or responsible.”
Mr Naivalurua urged members of the public to stop circulating intimate, degrading or humiliating material and to refrain from encouraging online abuse through comments and shares.
“My message is simple: do not post material intended to humiliate others. Do not forward intimate or degrading images. Do not encourage abuse through comments or shares.”
He also called on parents, teachers, community leaders and social media users to take responsibility for promoting respectful online behaviour.
Those affected by serious online harm were encouraged to seek assistance from the Online Safety Commission, while suspected criminal conduct should be reported to the Fiji Police Force.
“If you encounter harmful content, do not help it spread,” Mr Naivalurua said.
