Government considers new laws that would require social media users to have 100 points of ID

Australian lawmakers are considering a radical new solution to stamp out cyber bullying and online abuse.

Under the proposal, social media platforms and dating sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tinder would require all users to submit 100 points of ID before signing up.

The process would be similar to applying for a passport, which requires individuals to prove their identity.

Some government officials think the reforms could put an end to online trolling, which is mostly dished out from anonymous online accounts.

Australian lawmakers are considering a radical new solution to stamp out cyber bullying and online abuse (stock image)

But not everyone is in favour of the proposed move.

Currently, social media users can sign up to accounts with just an email and a phone number to verify their identity.

Handing over vast amounts of personal information to large digital corporations could put users’ data at risk of being stolen by hackers or even hostile foreign governments.

Potential answers to online stalking and harassment were recently outlined in a parliamentary committee report that found nameless, faceless trolls are using various social media and dating sites to carry out crimes ‘with little risk of sanction.’

‘In order to open or maintain an existing social media account, customers should be required by law to identify themselves to a platform using 100 points of identification, in the same way as a person must provide identification for a mobile phone account, or to buy a mobile SIM card,’ the report suggests.

The report also suggests that penalties for online abusers need to be substantially increase ‘to act as a greater deterrent for errant behaviour.’ 

Sunrise contributor Ben Davis said the proposed legislation is a step in the right direction.

‘Hello! leadership now we are onto something,’ he told the Channel Seven program.

Currently, social media users can sign up to social media accounts with just an email and a phone number to verify their identity (stock image)

‘As much as we are talking about a global pandemic, this is an epidemic that is going to be long, long with us after coronavirus is knocked on the head because we are not seeing any action when it comes to cyber bullying and revenge porn.

‘It will give some much needed accountability.’

The Morrison government is currently considering the proposed changes with a decision set to be handed down in weeks.