Victoria is proposing new laws that would grant the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) powers to order social media platforms to reveal the identities of anonymous accounts accused of online vilification. The state government also aims to lower the legal threshold for suing platforms for negligence causing psychiatric harm to children.
These proposed laws in Victoria represent a significant step in holding social media and AI companies accountable for the harms their platforms may cause, particularly to children, by introducing stronger regulatory powers and easier avenues for legal recourse.
The Victorian government is introducing a suite of social media reforms aimed at protecting children online. Premier Jacinta Allan announced that the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) would be given new 'demasking' powers, allowing it to order social media platforms to reveal the identities of anonymous account holders accused of online vilification. This marks the first such proposal by an Australian state.
In addition to the demasking powers, the state government plans to reduce the legal burden for families seeking to sue social media and artificial intelligence companies for negligence that results in psychiatric harm to children. Currently, proving a permanent impairment of at least 10% is required for such claims on behalf of minors. The proposed changes would remove this threshold for minors, with further considerations for adult victims.
Marilyn Bromberg, an associate professor of law specializing in social media regulation at the University of Western Australia, commented that while the reforms are a positive step, they could be expanded. She noted that similar demasking powers in other countries have helped deter harmful online behavior and suggested these reforms should also cover defamation and cyberbullying. Bromberg also welcomed the move to simplify negligence claims, citing research that substantiates the harms social media can inflict on young people.
These proposed changes come as social media companies face increasing legal scrutiny worldwide. Earlier in 2026, a U.S. jury found Alphabet's Google and Meta liable in a significant social media addiction lawsuit, which some viewed as a pivotal moment in the global backlash against the perceived mental health impacts of these platforms on youth. It remains to be seen if Victoria's reforms will lead to a similar surge in lawsuits in Australia. Premier Allan stated that platforms are designed to be addictive and that families should be able to hold companies accountable when they harm children. Both reform proposals will undergo further development following consultations with VCAT, courts, and other relevant stakeholders.