Petition: Implement Mandatory ID Verification for All Instagram Accounts to Protect Users from Abuse, Harassment & Online Stalking

To: Meta (Parent Company of Instagram), UK Government, and Global Social Media Regulators

Subject: Protecting Victims of Stalking,  Abuse & Online Harassment by Requiring ID Verification for Instagram Accounts

We, the undersigned, call for urgent action to introduce mandatory photo ID and live video verification for all Instagram accounts. This crucial step will help combat online stalking, harassment, and abuse, ensuring that every user is accountable for their actions.

 

Why This Change Is Urgent!!! 

For too long, social media has provided a safe haven for anonymous abusers, enabling them to create fake accounts and repeatedly target their victims. As a victim of stalking and abuse, I have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of online anonymity. Victims should not have to live in fear of their abusers finding new ways to contact, follow , threaten, or manipulate them through untraceable accounts.

The current system allows perpetrators to:

- Create multiple fake accounts to continue harassing victims even after being blocked.

- Use anonymity as a weapon to intimidate, manipulate, stalk and gaslight survivors.

-  Evade legal consequences by hiding behind unverified profiles.

Online stalking and harassment have real-life consequences, causing severe emotional distress, mental health struggles, and even physical danger for victims. Social media platforms must take responsibility for protecting users from this kind of abuse.

Our Proposed Solution

We demand that Instagram (Meta) implement the following security measures:

1. Mandatory Photo ID Submission -  Every user must upload a valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport, drivers license) to confirm their identity.

2. Live Video Verification - “ A one-time live video check to ensure the person behind the account matches the ID provided.

3. Stronger Account Monitoring - Regular checks to detect and prevent repeat offenders from creating new accounts under false identities.

4. Stricter Protections for Victims of Abuse & Stalking - A dedicated support system for survivors to flag and prevent known abusers from reappearing under different accounts.

What This Change Will Achieve

- Greater Protection for Victims - Stalkers and abusers will no longer be able to hide behind fake accounts.

- More Accountability -  Users will think twice before engaging in harmful behavior when their real identity is attached to their actions.

- Safer Digital Spaces - Reduced online harassment, impersonation, and cyberstalking cases.

- Protection Against Scams & Identity Theft - Fewer fake profiles used for fraudulent activities.

 

Join Us in Making Instagram a Safer Place for Everyone

We urge Meta, policymakers, and social media regulators to take immediate action in implementing these changes. No survivor should have to live in fear of being contacted or harassed online by an abuser hiding behind a fake profile.

Sign this petition today and stand with us in demanding a safer, more accountable social media platform for us and our children. 

Thank You 🙏