Digital Media Literacy Essential for Combating Misinformation, Reports FBC News

Digital media literacy initiatives in Fiji are expanding beyond basic online safety to address the growing challenges of misinformation and regulatory frameworks, according to experts at a recent training event in Suva.

Nilesh Lal, Executive Director of Dialogue Fiji, emphasized the critical need for comprehensive digital literacy during the Digital Media Literacy Training session held Thursday. He pointed to significant changes in Fiji’s digital ecosystem that have fundamentally altered civic engagement and political discourse across the island nation.

“The digital landscape in Fiji has transformed rapidly, changing how our citizens communicate and participate in democracy,” Lal said. “While this brings opportunities, it has also created serious vulnerabilities that we must address.”

Of particular concern is the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation campaigns as Fiji approaches its next election cycle. Lal noted that these digital threats have global implications that could affect Fiji’s democratic processes.

“Globally, we’ve witnessed how digital manipulation and misleading narratives have influenced voter behavior, eroded institutional trust, and exacerbated social divisions,” he explained. “Fiji is not immune to these threats.”

The stakes are especially high in Fiji’s multicultural society, where social cohesion remains delicate. Lal highlighted the need for targeted approaches to digital literacy that acknowledge this context.

“In a country like Fiji, where social cohesion has always been an issue and continues to be quite fragile, there’s also a need to talk about how to transform digital interaction to ensure that social cohesion is strengthened rather than destroyed,” Lal stated.

Digital literacy experts point out that Fiji’s internet penetration has grown substantially in recent years, with more than 70 percent of the population now having internet access, according to recent telecommunications data. This rapid digital adoption has created both opportunities and challenges for the Pacific island nation.

The training session also addressed the complex legal and regulatory environment surrounding online expression in Fiji. Lal emphasized that any meaningful digital literacy initiative must include honest discussions about how laws affect online speech and digital rights.

“We cannot have effective digital literacy without examining the legal frameworks that govern our online spaces,” said Lal. “Citizens need to understand both their rights and responsibilities in digital environments.”

Dialogue Fiji is advocating for greater collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and technology platforms to create balanced approaches to online regulation. The organization believes that effective regulations should protect citizens from harm while preserving democratic freedoms and expression.

Regional experts note that Fiji’s experience reflects broader trends across Pacific Island nations, where digital transformation is occurring rapidly amid varying levels of preparedness. Countries throughout the region are grappling with similar challenges related to misinformation, digital security, and appropriate regulatory frameworks.

The Digital Media Literacy Training represents part of a broader effort to prepare Fijian citizens for informed participation in an increasingly digital society. Participants included educators, community leaders, and media professionals who will help disseminate digital literacy skills throughout their communities.

Lal called for sustained investment in digital literacy programs that can reach diverse communities across Fiji’s urban centers and rural islands. He emphasized that these efforts must be ongoing rather than one-time interventions to effectively counter evolving digital threats.

“Digital literacy is not a destination but a journey,” Lal concluded. “As technology and threats evolve, so must our approaches to creating a digitally empowered citizenry.”