Social media users could sue online bullies under new anti-troll laws

In October 2021, the federal government introduced the Social Media (Basic Expectations and Defamation) Bill to ensure social media users are safe online. The laws contemplated by this bill, would give the Communications Minister authority to make determinations about the basic expectation of a social media service. The eSafety Commissioner would also be able to request that social media companies report on how they are meeting the expectations, and issue findings on contraventions. The proposed laws would also enable members of the public to make complaints to the eSafety Commissioner about defamatory material on social media platforms.

In line with the Social Media (Basic Expectations and Defamation) Bill, the federal government announced in late November 2021, a Social Media (Anti-Trolling) Bill, which is yet to be introduced. The proposed laws would require social media companies to obtain each user's name, email address and phone number to limit the creation of