Victoria unveils social media reforms targeting anonymous abuse and child harm

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on Sunday announced a comprehensive package of social media reforms aimed at protecting children, including new powers to unmask anonymous accounts and lower legal barriers for families suing platforms over psychiatric harm. The proposed changes, the first of their kind by an Australian state, seek to hold tech companies accountable for online abuse and its impact on young users.

Demasking powers for anonymous accounts

Under the reforms, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal would gain authority to order social media platforms to reveal the identities of account holders accused of online vilification. This “demasking” power targets anonymous accounts used to harass or harm others, particularly children. The government hopes the threat of exposure will deter malicious behavior. Similar measures in other jurisdictions have shown effectiveness in reducing harmful online conduct, according to University of Western Australia law associate professor Marilyn Bromberg, who described the proposal as a “brave start” though not comprehensive enough.

Lower threshold for suing social media platforms

The reforms also lower the legal threshold for parents to sue social media and artificial intelligence platforms for negligence causing psychiatric harm to minors. Currently, families must prove a child has suffered a permanent impairment of at least 10%, as assessed by medical practitioners using specific calculations. The new rules would eliminate that requirement for cases brought on behalf of minors, making it easier to seek damages for psychological injuries. The government will consider further changes for adult victims at a later date.

Expert reaction and context

Marilyn Bromberg welcomed the changes but argued they should go further. “It’s a brave start, but I don’t think it goes far enough,” she said, emphasizing that the harms of social media to young people are well-documented in peer-reviewed research. The reforms come amid growing public concern over the role of social media in youth mental health crises, including cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and addiction.

What’s next

The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in state parliament later this year. If passed, Victoria would become a test case for stricter online regulation in Australia. The federal government, which has also been exploring online safety measures, will be watching closely. For now, the reforms signal a shift toward greater corporate accountability for the psychological wellbeing of children in the digital age.