Victoria Targets Online Abuse with New Laws

The Victorian government announced new laws to hold technology companies accountable for online harms and protect children, addressing growing concerns about hate speech and harmful tech designs. The state will introduce a law allowing the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to issue “demasking orders” forcing platforms to identify anonymous users who vilify others. Additionally, families will find it easier to sue social media platforms and AI providers for negligence causing psychiatric harm to a child by removing the requirement to prove a 10% or more permanent impairment.

These laws are still in development and require consultation with stakeholders. Experts have raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing the laws across borders and whether they duplicate existing legal avenues for identifying online abusers. The government is also considering extending similar protections to adults and is awaiting potential federal legislation on digital duty of care, which could offer broader protections across Australia.