Victoria to grant VCAT power to unmask anonymous users accused of online vilification

The Victorian government has unveiled a package of social‑media reforms that would grant the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Vcat) the authority to compel social and AI platforms to identify users who operate under anonymous accounts. The legislation, announced by Premier Jacinta Allan on Sunday, targets online vilification and aims to give families new tools to safeguard children from harmful content.

Under the proposed rules, platforms would be required to provide identifying information when an account is accused of harassment or other unlawful behaviour, with Vcat empowered to enforce compliance. The move follows growing concerns over the reach of anonymous online abuse and the difficulty parents face in monitoring their children’s digital interactions.

Premier Allan said the reforms are part of a broader strategy to protect young people from online harm, emphasising that the new powers would help authorities investigate and respond to incidents more effectively. The government has indicated that further details will be released in the coming weeks as the legislation moves through the legislative process.