Labor will introduce new laws to hold AI and technology companies accountable while strengthening protections for children online.
The new laws will help families take on social media and AI giants and give victims of online hate a way to find out who is targeting them.
Unmasking anonymous online hate
Too many Victorians are being vilified online by anonymous users hiding behind a screen.
Labor will give VCAT new powers to make ‘demasking orders’ – forcing social media companies to reveal the identity of anonymous users accused of online vilification.
This delivers on the Premier’s commitment to hold social media companies to account for online hate.
Making Big Tech accountable for hurting kids
Social media and AI platforms are designed to be addictive – and children are paying the price.
“Social media and AI companies design their platforms to be addictive, and our kids are paying the price,” said Premier Jacinta Allan.
“If a platform hurts a child, families should be able to take that company to court.”
“Hiding behind an anonymous account online should never mean you can vilify someone and get away with it.”
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Right now, a family suing a social media or AI company for negligence causing psychiatric harm to their child must clear a high legal threshold before they can bring an action before the courts.
“These reforms will help victims of online hate find out who’s really behind the keyboard,” added Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny.
The threshold currently requires proof of a permanent impairment of 10 per cent or more.
Labor will remove that threshold for claims brought on behalf of minors against social media and AI providers, making it easier for families to hold them to account.
Courts overseas have already found platforms liable for designing addictive features aimed at children.
“We’re taking action, because no one should have their mental health impacted by senseless online hate,” concluded Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
Whether the reform should extend beyond children to adults will be considered as the law is drafted.
Both reforms will be developed following targeted consultation with VCAT, the courts and other stakeholders.
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