Australia introduces ‘anti-troll’ law; allows social media users to sue bullies

Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced anti-trolling legislation Sunday— intended to hold social media giants accountable by forcing them to reveal the identity of anonymous online bullies who post defamatory material.

The announcement follows a September ruling by Australia's highest court that found publishers can be held liable for public comments in online forums.

Aussie Prime Minister in a press conference said, "Social media can too often be a cowards' palace, where the anonymous can bully, harass and ruin lives without consequence".

Morrison further added, "We would not accept these faceless attacks in a school, at home, in the office, or on the street. And we must not stand for it online, on our devices and in our homes”.

“Social media companies have created the space and they need to make it safe, and if they won't, we will make them," Scott Morrison said. 

"Anonymous trolls are on notice, you will be named and held to account for what you say. Big tech companies are on notice, remove the shield of anonymity or be held to account for what you publish," he added. 

He further stressed that, "The online world should not be a wild west where bots and bigots and trolls and others are anonymously going around and can harm people".

The New Legislation

As per an official statement, “The new laws will ensure social media companies are considered publishers and can be held liable for defamatory comments posted on their platforms”.

The rules will establish a complaints system that "ensures defamatory remarks can be removed." 

This allows a person facing online defamation, attacks or bullying to ask the social media platform to take the material down.

If the content is not withdrawn, the law allows for a court order requiring social media platforms to provide details "identifying details of trolls to victims, without consent, which will then enable a defamation case to be lodged".

Before the law comes into force, a draft of the legislation will be released to allow the public to comment.