The Victorian government has announced a suite of social media reforms, including new 'demasking' powers that would compel platforms to identify anonymous users accused of online vilification. Premier Jacinta Allan stated the changes aim to provide families with new ways to protect their children online.
Key provisions of the proposed laws
Under the proposed laws, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) would gain the authority to order social media and AI platforms to reveal the identities of account holders in vilification cases. This would be the first such power granted to an Australian state tribunal. Additionally, the legal threshold for suing social media and AI platforms for negligence causing psychiatric harm to children would be lowered. Currently, families must prove a child has suffered a permanent impairment of at least 10% to pursue damages, a requirement that would be scrapped for minors. Further changes for adult victims are under consideration.
Expert and political reactions
Marilyn Bromberg, an associate professor of law at the University of Western Australia, called the reforms 'a step in the right direction' but argued they should go further. 'It's a brave start, but I don't think it goes far enough,' she said, suggesting the demasking powers should extend to defamation and cyberbullying. She welcomed the easier path for negligence claims, noting that 'the harms that social media can cause young people have been substantiated by compelling, peer-reviewed research.'
Opposition shadow attorney general James Newbury expressed skepticism, stating, 'I don't think Elon Musk is looking at Jacinta Allan's announcement today and quaking in his boots.' He indicated the Coalition supports the effort in principle but would need to review details. With only four sitting weeks before the state election, Newbury doubted the laws would pass.
Broader context and global trends
The reforms come amid growing legal challenges against social media companies internationally. In 2026, a US jury found Alphabet's Google and Meta liable in a landmark social media addiction lawsuit, which some see as a turning point in addressing platforms' mental health impacts on youth. Allan insisted the laws would be introduced as a priority, stating, 'We're going to use every single day available to us to bring these laws to the parliament.' The Victorian government will consult with the tribunal, courts, and other stakeholders during drafting.
