FIJIANS are more inclined to share inappropriate or uncomfortable content online than they are in person.
This was shared by Online Safety Commissioner Filipe Batiwale who noted that Fijians have made online spaces “toxic” because they are given freedom with what they think comes without consequences.
Mr Batiwale said a significant amount of material being shared online was inappropriate, citing platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, as well as gaming applications that expose children to harmful content.
“These are all issues that really need proper governance and proper regulation,” Mr Batiwale said.
“From a regulator’s perspective, we need to be able to have safeguards that actually protect the user.
“When they access these platforms, safety is embedded into the design of these platforms.”
Mr Batiwale noted that social media had become a major avenue for people to express opinions but said many of the issues and disputes appearing online were not suited to public digital forums.
He said there appeared to be a disconnect between what people considered appropriate to say in person and what they were willing to post online.
“So if Facebook and TikTok were to disappear tomorrow, will Fiji be a better place?
“I cannot say that, but possibly, maybe. But it really is a place where people share their opinions. And what we are seeing is a lot of trouble with most people sharing what’s probably inappropriate if you were to share it in person.
“When they have this access to social media, they feel more powerful.”
He said the issue was not only regulatory but also psychological, as online behaviour often differs from behaviour in real-world settings.
Mr Batiwale said addressing these challenges would require measures that improve online safety while protecting users from harm across digital platforms.
