Victoria’s proposed new laws can help minimise anonymous online hate

Victoria’s proposed new laws can help minimise anonymous online hate

Social media companies could be forced to identify anonymous accounts accused of online vilification, under new laws being proposed in Victoria. An RMIT expert explains why this could reshape online accountability and why platforms are likely to fight them. 

Dr Dana Mckay, Senior Lecturer in Innovative Interactive Technologies, School of Computing Technologies:

"Until now, if an individual has experienced online hate, they have needed the platform to intervene. The person acting hatefully has been able to remain anonymous, usually with, at most, a short ban from the social media platform.  

“Platforms have maintained they will only hand over details to law enforcement, but Victoria wants to change that. Under the proposal, people could report hateful behaviour to VCAT, which could then direct social media companies to identify anonymous users, exposing them to anti-vilification laws in Australia.  

“If it works, this could be very effective in changing the tone of social media – after all, most people don't spew hate in the street, where they can be easily identified.  

"In other recent cases, social media companies have fought regulation and responsibility very strongly, so it seems likely they will fight this too.  

“Either way, VCAT supporting Victorians to access online protections would be another legal mechanism where social media companies are being held to account, in an environment where the tide of public opinion is turning against them.” 

Dana McKay is Associate Dean, Interaction, Technology and Information in the School of Computing Technologies at RMIT University. Dana's research focuses on ensuring advances in digital information technologies make the world a fairer and more equitable place.

***

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

20 July 2026

Share

20 July 2026

Share

Related News

aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information