Require Government ID Verification for All Social Media Accounts

Social media should be a place to connect, learn and share—not a place where people can hide behind fake profiles to bully, harass, spread hate, encourage violence or target vulnerable people.

Every day, children and adults experience online abuse from anonymous accounts. Sadly, this has contributed to anxiety, depression and, in some cases, suicide. While governments are considering restricting social media for under-16s, this doesn't address the root of the problem. Online abuse is not caused by one age group alone—adults and older teenagers are also responsible for much of the harmful behaviour seen online.

We are calling for all social media platforms to require users to verify their identity using a valid government-issued ID and facial verification when creating an account. This would not make personal information public, but it would ensure every account is linked to a real person.

Identity verification could:

• Reduce fake and anonymous accounts used for bullying and harassment.
• Make it easier for law enforcement to investigate serious online crimes.
• Help protect children and vulnerable people from abuse.
• Encourage people to think twice before posting hateful or threatening content.
• Create safer and more accountable online communities.

Freedom of speech should never mean freedom to anonymously threaten, abuse or terrorise others. It's time for social media companies to take greater responsibility and make their platforms safer for everyone.

Sign this petition if you believe every social media account should be linked to a verified identity to help tackle online abuse, bullying and criminal behaviour.