PR 04/24

20 November 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Recently it has been brought to the attention of the Online Safety Commission (‘OSC’) that there are some social media users who are sharing and circulating videos or photos that feature other people without their consent. It has further been noted that such videos or photos when they are uploaded or circulated on the social media at times invite to enormous amount of negative, degrading or sarcasm intended comments towards the person(s) who are featured in the videos or photos. Such comments can have impact on a person either emotionally or psychologically to whom the comments have been intended towards.

The posting of such materials that feature other people without their consent and with the intention of causing harm is classified as Online Bullying by the OSC. We would also like to advise the members of the public that they need to be mindful when placing comments on the social media platforms as their comments may be classified as Online Bullying depending on the nature of their comment(s).

Our Advise to the Social Media Users

The OSC would like to give the following advise to the social media users:

• Refrain from uploading the videos or photos of other people without obtaining their consent.
• After getting the consent from the person(s) featured in the videos or photos, please consider if the content of the video or photo is appropriate for sharing or not. Please consider whether the content could be subjected to negative, degrading or sarcasm intended comments.
• If you see videos or photos on the social media accounts, before placing any comments or remarks on the post or even messaging the person who is featured in the video or photo, do consider the impact that your comment or message may have on the person(s) featured in the video or photo. 

Our Advise to the Victims of Online Bullying

If you think you or your child has been subjected to Online Bullying, please do lodge your complaint with the OSC through the following means:

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

Once we receive the complaint we will do our analysis and if needed, we may require the post to be removed. Needful actions may also be taken against people who are perpetrators of Online Bullying.

Please use the social media platform safely and respectfully.

ENDS