GOVERNMENT could consider new legislation to address disturbing and explicit content circulating on social media, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said, following concerns over children’s exposure to such material.
He said Government could take action if the Online Safety Commission raised concerns about gaps in its legal powers.
Recently public concerns were raised over explicit videos involving Fijians originating on TikTok and spreading across other social media platforms, exposing children to inappropriate content. Asked whether Government was looking to address the issue, Mr Rabuka said complaints should be referred to the relevant authority.
“There is an authority that the online commission and the online commissioner, those should be reported to them,” he said. Mr Rabuka said he was not familiar with the videos circulating online because he did not follow the various social media applications.
When told that the Online Safety Commissioner had indicated the commission lacked the authority needed to address the issue, Mr Rabuka acknowledged the limitation.
However, he said “if they bring it to government, then the government can do something and enforce it, or enact the legislations”.
Villagers from Wainibuka and the surrounding communities at the Wailotua Village No 1 hall yesterday.
Pictures: JONA KONATACI
