Online Safety Commissioner Reported for Online Bullying and Defamation of Character

In a strange twist of events, Fiji’s newly appointed Online Safety Commissioner, Filipe Batiwale, has been reported to the police for allegedly defaming a fellow villager through online bullying.

Fiji Sun reports that a police report was lodged at the Nausori Police Station by the complainant on February 9, 2025, accusing Batiwale of spreading false and defamatory information about him via the Facebook Messenger platform.

According to Fiji Sun the complainant, who is from the same village as Batiwale, claims that the commissioner spread homophobic rumours about his sexuality, calling him "bisexual" and alleging intimate relationships with men in their village, including a soldier.

According to Fiji Sun the conversation, which took place in November 2024, occurred just months before Batiwale officially assumed office as Online Safety Commissioner in February 2025.

Fiji Sun said that his appointment, which followed a lengthy vacancy after the resignation of the previous commissioner, was heralded as a step toward ensuring Fijians are protected on digital platforms.

According to Fiji Sun the complainant, who is married with children, expressed his frustration with the situation, stating that the rumours spread by Batiwale have caused significant emotional distress for him and his family.

Fiji Sun said that he also pointed out the unfortunate impact on his relationship with his wife, who was shocked and confused upon reading the defaming messages.

According to Fiji Sun, as Online Safety Commissioner, Batiwale is tasked with promoting responsible online behaviour, preventing cyberbullying, and ensuring a safe digital environment for all.

Fiji Sun said that the Fiji government, through the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, has yet to comment on the case directly.

However, the police have classified the matter as a civil case, and Batiwale’s appointment remains a topic of scrutiny as his conduct is now under investigation.

We have sent questions to the Online Safety Commission.

Source: Fiji Sun