(ETH) – A new report is warning that Australians could soon be banned from creating anonymous social media and dating profiles under what is being deemed radical reforms that are being considered by the federal government.
The report reveals that the new changes would result in people being forced to submit identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, before they are able to set up an account for platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tinder.
The measures are said to be for the purpose of stamping out online bullying, trolling, harassment, stalking, and sexual abuse. The measures are being considered following a shocking report into online abuse, which discovered that anonymous people are using social media and dating sites to carry out crimes “with little risk of sanction.”
At the moment, Australians are not required to provide ID to use most online platforms, however, some ask users to “verify” their account by providing an email address or phone number.
“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.
