TikTok users who perform sexual acts, engage in explicit dares and trade abusive remarks during live broadcasts for virtual gifts raise serious concerns about the need for stronger online safeguards, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says.
The broadcasts, in which gifts can be converted into money, have also raised concerns about children copying adults’ behaviour, including swearing at other users during online games.
Responding to concerns about harmful online content, Mr Seruiratu said individuals who created or distributed unlawful pornographic material should face tougher penalties, particularly when children were exploited or abused.
“The Opposition strongly supports tougher penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment, for individuals who deliberately create, publish or distribute unlawful pornographic content, particularly where such material involves the exploitation or abuse of children,” he said.
Mr Seruiratu said Fiji’s laws needed to keep pace with developments in digital technology and called for a review of the Online Safety Act 2018 and other relevant legislation.
He said effective enforcement was equally important in addressing online offences.
“Having laws in place is simply not enough if those laws are not effectively enforced.”
Mr Seruiratu called on social media companies to strengthen age-verification measures and promptly remove unlawful pornographic material and child sexual abuse material.
“Where companies knowingly or negligently fail to take reasonable action against such material, there must be appropriate legal consequences,” he added.
He said tougher penalties needed to be supported by public awareness, parental guidance and community involvement.
His comments come amid growing concerns about explicit and abusive content on social media platforms accessible to children and young people in Fiji.
