Government warns online pornography is fueling child abuse in Fiji

Government has raised concern that the rise of online pornography is fuelling child abuse and exploitation in Fiji, following new data showing a sharp increase in cyber-tips involving children.

Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua told Parliament yesterday that Fiji had received between 1800 and 8200 cyber-tips in recent years from the United States’ National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

These reports relate to suspected online child sexual abuse cases involving Fijian users.

He said the numbers were alarming and confirmed a dangerous trend: pornography consumption is growing, and with it, child exploitation is increasing.

“Offenders are using technology to groom and exploit our children. This is not about pornography as entertainment. This is about serious abuse,” he told MPs. “This is a violation of a child’s innocence, dignity, and rights.”

Mr Naivalurua said increased internet access was part of the problem. In 2023, 79.3 per cent of Fijians aged 15 and above were online and 88.4 per cent owned a mobile phone.

With children spending more time on social media, gaming platforms and messaging apps, offenders now find it easier to reach them.

He also reminded Parliament that the term “child pornography” is no longer used globally because it masks the reality.

“We are talking about child abuse and child exploitation,” he said. “We must use the correct language.”

• To tackle the link between pornography and child abuse, the Government’s National Task Force, chaired by Mr Naivalurua and co-chaired by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran is focusing on three pillars;
• Strengthening laws, including reviews of the Online Safety Act, Cybercrime Act and Telecommunication Act;
• Empowering survivors and driving cultural change; and
• Working with industry partners, including ICT companies, civil society and law enforcement.

He said the issue was not unique to Fiji. “We cannot allow pornography and online platforms to become tools for abusing our children. The response must be strong and united.”

Consultations

Government will now begin nationwide consultations as part of its plan to tighten laws and build a safer digital environment for every child in Fiji.

Opposition MP Jone Usamate, while commending Government’s effort, said many people consumed pornography “for relaxation” without realising the role it played in normalising sexual abuse.

He said the impacts were affecting families, relationships, gender-based violence, and contributing to economic and health burdens.

Mr Usamate said Fiji also needed to fully acknowledge the seriousness and scale of mental health challenges. He said the Opposition supported Government’s efforts to address the issue.