Sydney, Nov 29, : The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is ready to introduce a new antitroll Bill.This bill would require online social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to reveal anonymous users’ identities in an effort to combat online trolling. ABC News Australia reports that the new laws will require social media companies collect details of all users and allow courts to order social media firms to handover the identities of users in aid of defamation cases.
“Companies would have to set up a complaint process for anyone who feels they have been defamed on the internet.According to Sunday’s report, the laws would allow courts and other authorities to order companies to give the identities of users to people who wish to pursue legal action.”
The legislation will be available in draft form this week and is expected to be introduced into Parliament in the early part of next year.
“The rules that apply in the real world must also be applied to the digital and online worlds.Morrison was quoted in the report as saying that the online world shouldn’t be a wild west where bots, bigots, trolls and other can anonymously go about and harm people and cause them pain.”
The new law allows users to refuse to remove content or request further action.
The report stated that “if the user refuses to have their details released, a court can issue a warrant requiring the company — allowing the complainant pursue defamation actions.”
“We will be looking to find test cases that can strengthen these laws.Morrison stated that digital companies and others may think they are only going to have to deal with someone with little means who is trying to pursue this.
“We will support them in court and we will take their on.”
Twitter and Facebook have yet to comment on the draft laws.
The legislation proposed is part of a larger effort by Australia to reform its defamation laws.
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