Require all social media platforms to verify identity of accounts

Open for signatures 40 signatures

What the petition asks

Make identity verification a legal requirement for all existing and new users on social media platforms. Nicknames could be used to maintain anonymity in the public eye, but accounts will be linked to real identities to help ensure social media users can be traced by authorities.

This could protect people against online hate acting as a deterrent to social media users writing hate online. Even with anonymous username, verification could mean a person can be traced and held responsible and deter people from writing hate and setting up fake accounts. These extra layers of identification could also enable simpler identification of users, allowing action to be taken by platforms and authorities to deal with online hate. We think this will create a safer online space for all.

Timeline

18 Feb 2026

Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 40

Status Open for signatures

Department Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Opened 18 Feb 2026

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