The Victorian government will significantly reduce the legal barriers for parents seeking compensation from social media platforms for negligence that causes psychiatric harm to their children.This legislative change, announced by Premier Jacinta Allan, follows a landmark US court decision that redefined corporate liability for online harm.The new law will also grant individuals the power to demand the identities of anonymous online trolls from tech companies.These measures aim to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among vulnerable groups.

The reforms are set to be introduced into parliament before the November state election, reflecting the government's commitment to modernizing legal frameworks in the digital age.

Critics argue the changes could set a precedent for similar legislation nationally, while advocates highlight the need for accountability in an era of pervasive online harassment.

The law's focus on psychiatric harm marks a shift from traditional defamation claims, emphasizing the psychological toll of social media exposure.Legal experts note that the Victorian approach balances victim protection with the need to prevent abuse of the legal system.