PR 03/24

06 November 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Recently it has been brought to the attention of the Online Safety Commission (‘OSC’) that there are some social media accounts which are uploading intimate videos and photos that feature other people.

The OSC strongly condemns such acts and urges the members of the public who are being victimised by such act to lodge their complaints with the OSC at the earliest.

The posting of such intimate materials that contains other people are classified as Image Based Abuse by the OSC.

The OSC will only be able to take any action in getting the Image Based Abuse content removed from the social media platforms after a formal complaint has been lodged by the victims who are featured in the content.

Lodging of the Complaint

The following persons can lodge the complaint with OSC:

• any person who has been featured in the intimate image or video;
• parent or guardian of the person in the intimate image or video and they are a child under 18; or
• parent or guardian of the person in the intimate image or video and they need help due to a cognitive, mental or physical issue.

What Happens Once a Complaint has been Lodged

• the OSC will first analyse the complaint and discuss with the victim; and
• the OSC will then contact the concerned social media platform and request for removal of the content.

How Can You Help to Combat the Issue

If you are a victim of image-based abuse you can help in combatting the issue by lodging a complaint to OSC through the following means:

• Visit the OSC Office at Level 9, Suvavou House, Victoria Parade, Suva.
• Make a phone call to OSC on (679) 998 0242/ 330 0547
• Send an email on help@osc.com.fj
• Visit OSC website on www.osc.com.fj and report your complaint via the “Report Now” link on the website.

The OSC would like to advise all the members of the public that if you are being subjected to Image Based Abuse, you are not alone we are here to assist you.

ENDS