Victoria Unveils Tougher Rules for AI and Social Media Platforms
Synopsis
The proposed reforms would lower barriers for legal claims against big tech and strengthen protections for victims of online harm, particularly minors.
Victoria is to launch a broad suite of reforms across AI and social media that will allow courts to identify anonymous users and establish the country’s first separate state legislation regulating the use of AI within government.
The planned legislation will also improve security for all affected by online abuse particularly children and those suffering serious online harms.
State Targets Anonymous Accounts and AI Risks
There will be nowhere for tech firms to hide when people use anonymous accounts to menace, harass and cause harm to people using online. The proposed changes would mean that courts can force tech companies to identify users operating from anonymous accounts within court actions regarding defamation, discrimination, vilification among other illegal activities.
The package will also remove barriers to victims seeking legal action against tech companies in specific circumstances. Furthermore, VCAT powers will be extended for urgent orders relating to the removal of content deemed harmful.
AI Governance Moves Into Law
In addition to rules on social media use, Victoria will also bring in a new legal framework governing the use of AI within the government. AI in higher risk departments would be subject to transparency, oversight and accountability regulations and would also address deepfakes and other synthetic media generated by AI.
This comes after Australia is to implement a national under-16s social media ban later this year, with increasing focus on verification and platform accountability.
The regulation of AI is also being enforced by many countries worldwide, with the European Union AI Act due to roll out later in stages, and over 80 nations with a national AI policy or framework in place according to the OECD.
The OECD also has discovered governments increasingly focusing efforts on the use of AI across business and government processes. It further stated that a report by McKinsey entitled 'The State of AI 2025', that surveyed worldwide organisations and found that 78% of them had implemented AI in at least one business operation.
The government has indicated that the reforms will be brought before parliament later this year and are part of a push to achieve enhanced digital safety and accountability.
Source: Capital Brief
Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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