Victoria proposes social media ‘demasking’ powers for accounts accused of vilification

The Victorian government has unveiled a suite of proposed social media reforms, including new “demasking” powers that would allow authorities to order platforms to identify anonymous account holders in cases of online vilification. Premier Jacinta Allan announced the measures on Sunday, stating that families need better tools to protect children online.

Under the changes—the first of their kind at an Australian state level—the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) would have the power to direct social media companies to disclose the identities of users accused of vilification. Additionally, the state government plans to lower the legal threshold for negligence claims against social media and artificial intelligence platforms that cause psychiatric harm to minors. Currently, families must prove a child has suffered a permanent impairment of at least 10% to seek damages; this requirement would be removed for claims on behalf of minors, with further changes for adults under consideration.

Marilyn Bromberg, an associate professor of law at the University of Western Australia specializing in social media regulation, said the reforms were a positive step but should be extended. She noted that demasking powers in other jurisdictions have helped deter harmful behavior and suggested they should also cover defamation and cyberbullying. Bromberg welcomed the easier pathway for negligence claims, citing peer-reviewed research on the harms of social media to young people.

The reforms come amid growing legal challenges globally. Earlier in 2026, a US jury found Alphabet’s Google and Meta liable for damages in a landmark social media addiction lawsuit. Premier Allan said the changes are overdue, emphasizing that platforms design addictive features and children bear the consequences. Both reforms will be developed following consultations with VCAT, courts, and other stakeholders.