The Online Safety Commission is urging Fijians to refrain from taking screenshots or sharing harmful posts and comments related to a recent Facebook post involving a photograph of a child in a hospital bed.

The post, which has sparked outrage, includes homophobic and harmful remarks that have drawn concern from the public.

In a statement, Commissioner Filipe Batiwale expressed deep concern over the potential harm caused by sharing these posts, even if done with good intentions.

He emphasized that by circulating such content, individuals may unintentionally contribute to the emotional distress of the child, their family, and members of vulnerable communities.

The child, who is currently fighting for their life, has become the target of disturbing comments that appear to be designed to cause significant emotional harm.

Batiwale also acknowledged the public’s desire to take swift action against the harmful content but clarified the limitations of the Online Safety Commission’s powers.

According to the Commissioner, the current Online Safety Act 2018 does not grant the Commission the legal authority to remove content or shut down Facebook groups or pages.

“These are foreign-owned platforms governed by their own community standards and content moderation processes,” explained Batiwale.

“Many people think we can remove content or shut down pages—but the truth is, under the law as it stands, we cannot. It sits with the respective social media platforms.”

While acknowledging the frustration that this limitation may cause, Batiwale stressed that the Commission, as a statutory body in a democracy, is bound by the laws set by Parliament.

The Online Safety Commission’s call to action serves as a reminder to all Fijians to be mindful of the impact their online actions can have on others, especially during sensitive situations.

The Commission continues to encourage responsible social media use to help protect the emotional well-being of individuals, particularly vulnerable members of society.