Victoria announces new social media ‘demasking’ powers for accounts accused of vilification
Summary
Victoria is proposing new laws that would require social media platforms to reveal the identities of users accused of online abuse. The state also wants to make it easier for families to sue social media and AI companies if their children suffer mental health harm because of these platforms.Key Facts
- Victoria’s premier, Jacinta Allan, announced new social media reforms to protect children online.
- The Victorian civil and administrative tribunal (Vcat) would have the power to order platforms to "demask" or reveal anonymous users accused of vilification (online abuse).
- The legal threshold to sue social media and AI companies for causing psychiatric harm to children would be lowered, removing the need to prove permanent impairment.
- Current laws require medical proof that a child has at least 10% permanent impairment before pursuing damages.
- Experts believe these reforms are a good start but should cover more online harms like defamation and cyberbullying.
- Social media companies have faced legal challenges overseas, including a 2026 U.S. case where Google and Meta were found liable for social media addiction harms.
- The changes will be developed further after talks with courts and legal bodies.
- Premier Allan stated that social media and AI platforms are designed to be addictive and families should be able to hold companies accountable if children are harmed.
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