Police have raised growing concerns over the widespread use of social media — especially Facebook — as the main platform for technology-facilitated abuse in Vanuatu.

According to information shared by police and supporting organizations, many cases of abuse today are happening online, with Facebook being the most commonly misused platform. Reports also highlight other forms of tech-based abuse, including harassing phone calls and messages, the use of spyware, and GPS tracking.

However, social media platforms like Facebook are increasingly being used to demand sexual photos or videos, to share personal images or information without consent, and to shame or harass others online.

Despite the rise in such cases, police say it is difficult to investigate and prosecute them.

“From our experience in investigations, every time we try to use a search warrant on Facebook, it doesn’t work,” said Sergeant Jeff Natapei from the Police Cybercrime Unit. “Facebook has its own laws under U.S. jurisdiction, and they won’t act on search warrants from here.”

Sergeant Natapei explained that while Vanuatu has a Cybercrime Act in place, Facebook — as a U.S.-registered company — only responds to legal requests if the case violates their own community standards, not necessarily Vanuatu’s laws.

“We can only access certain information from Facebook if we provide a court subpoena. And even then, what we receive is limited,” he said.

Police emphasize the importance of following the correct legal process when gathering evidence for court. If procedures are not followed properly, there is a risk the evidence will be thrown out and the case dismissed.

The issue has prompted growing calls from women’s organizations, NGOs, and government agencies for better cooperation, awareness, and legal tools to combat online abuse in Vanuatu.