The modern era is an era of social media and the rapid dissemination of information. However in this process the lines between what is meant for public dissemination and what must remain private.
The latest victim is Fiji’s Minister for Women and Children Lynda Tabuya whose private videos were leaked and are currently circulating on social media.
Lynda Tabuya’s Private Video Leaked
The issue has snowballed into a huge controversy with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka writing to the minister seeking a detailed explanation. The Prime Minister made this statement when he was asked if he was aware of the video.
Prominent media house Fijivillage tried to contact the minister but she stated that she does not wish to talk about this matter. Tabuya is reportedly on leave and her PRO team is also not responding to the queries by the media.
Tabuya is on leave however her public relations team has not come back with a response since 3pm today.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya in a reaction on social media stated that the video of her which is viral on social media is private and shows two consenting adults who are husband and wife and it was never meant for public domain.
The Minister also lamented the grim reality which is faced by two-thirds of the women in Fiji who are at the receiving end of technology facilitating gender-based violence, or online violence.
The Minister said,
“This type of violence occurs when private images and videos are circulated publicly with the person’s consent. It is a grievous form of cyberbullying and must stop if we are truly committed to ending violence against women and girls in Fiji. There is nothing scandalous or illegal or immoral about sharing private videos and images between two consenting adults who are in a relationship, in this case me and my husband.”
Ms Tabuya also stated that it is illegal to disseminate such private videos and added that she is working with authorities to book such persons who are distributing the video online.
The Minister also stated that she has evidence against one such person and will be initiating action against him under the purview of the Online Safety Act and the Crimes Act.
Also Read: Pakistani Anchor Mona Alam’s Explicit Video Leaked, Goes Viral; Journalist Refutes Claim
