YOUR irresponsible behaviour on social media can now get you into trouble.
The Fijian Parliament has passed the Online Safety Bill and has now become law after an intense debate at the Government Building in the last hour.
The Bill, which has become an Act of Parliament, promotes online safety through the establishment of the Online Safety Commission.
Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted the need to provide a specific avenue for Fijians to have their concerns and complaints – with respect to electronic communications – dealt with.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the Bill sought to deter harmful online behavior and the creation of specific offences such as the intentional posting of harmful electronic communications as well as intimate images or visual recordings without consent.
The Bills objectives are to promote responsible online behaviour and online safety, promote a safe online culture and environment that addresses cyberbullying, cyber stalking, Internet trolling and exposure to offensive or harmful content, particularly in respect of children, deter harm caused to individuals by electronic communications and provide an efficient means of redress for such individuals.
Opposition MP Biman Prasad said there was more time needed for the Bill to be reviewed.
The Bill was passed with 27 votes.
Parliament also passed the Community Based Corrections Bill, Information Bill and the Fair Share of Mineral Royalties Bill.
For a more detailed report, get your copy of tomorrow’s edition of The Fiji Times, or our E-Edition.
