Online Safety Commission seeks expanded civil enforcement powers

Fiji's Online Safety Commission is pushing for significantly enhanced powers to combat harmful online content. Proposed changes to the Online Safety Act would empower the Commission to directly order the removal of such material, a substantial increase from its current limited authority.

Under the existing legislation, the Commission can only request the removal of online posts that are deemed abusive, threatening, or exploitative of individuals. Law Reform Commissioner David Solvalu highlighted that the Commission currently lacks the robust enforcement mechanisms needed to effectively address the evolving landscape of online harms.

The proposed amendments aim to bridge this gap, granting the Commission the ability to issue direct orders. This would enable a more swift and decisive response to content that poses a risk to public safety and well-being online. The move signals a commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight in the digital sphere.

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the Commission lacks the stronger enforcement