The Online Safety Commission has strongly condemned the circulation of graphic images on social media depicting the late Jone Vakarisi, warning that the continued sharing of such material is causing further trauma to grieving family members and loved ones.
The Commission said it was “deeply concerned” about the spread of the images online and urged members of the public to stop sharing, reposting or forwarding the material across social media and messaging platforms.
While the Commission did not name Vakarisi, the statement comes amid the circulation of images online and commentary linked to Australia-based social media commentator Alexander Forwood.
“The images being shared are highly distressing, show the deceased in a vulnerable and exposed state, and have caused further pain and trauma to grieving family members and loved ones during an already difficult time,” the Commission stated.
The Online Safety Commission acknowledged the intense public interest surrounding the circumstances of Mr Vakarisi’s death but stressed that lawful and independent processes must be allowed to proceed transparently.
“Regardless of the circumstances surrounding a person’s death, every individual is entitled to dignity and respect,” the statement noted.
The Commission warned that the unnecessary circulation of graphic deceased images undermined human dignity and could cause serious emotional harm to affected families and the wider public.
It also reminded social media users that online conduct causing serious harm could raise concerns under the Online Safety Act 2018.
“We encourage all social media users to consider the emotional harm and wider consequences that may arise from sharing graphic and sensitive material online,” the statement said.
The Commission further cautioned that the widespread circulation of the images risked retraumatising family members while official processes remained ongoing.
“Public discussion and scrutiny should not come at the expense of basic human dignity and compassion,” the Commission stated.
The Online Safety Commission also called on social media administrators and platform operators to act quickly to prevent further dissemination of the images.
“The Commission calls on all persons currently in possession of the images to immediately cease further circulation,” the statement added.
The Commission extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Jone Vakarisi.
