Twitter trolls are targeted with call for bans

A ban on anonymous Twitter accounts has been urged at Westminster to combat the scourge of cyber abuse and bullying.

Parliament heard the social media platform was “a real problem” and that ending the practice of allowing nameless users would open the way for vile online trolls to be prosecuted.

In response, ministers said banning anonymous accounts was not straightforward, but added that the Government had “an open mind” on issues such as a digital ID scheme as part of new laws to regulate tech firms.

The Online Harms Bill, due to be introduced later this year, is expected to force platforms, such as Facebook and Google, to abide by a duty of care to users, overseen by Ofcom as the new regulator for the sector.

The call to crack down on anonymous users comes amid a continuing problem with online abuse, underlined by the racist insults directed at footballers on social media.

Speaking at Westminster, Labour former Scottish first minister Lord Mcconnell of Glenscorrodale said: “This is not just a problem for famous people. If anything it is a much more serious problem for members of the public.”

The peer highlighted the example of mothers campaigning in Scotland last year to get schools reopened “being attacked by anonymous Cybernats”.

He said: “Twitter is a real problem here. There is a very simple solution and that would be for them or the Government to ban anonymous accounts on Twitter.

“That would stop the abuse. It would ensure that anybody who tries to be abusive or threatening can be prosecuted.”