BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / EuroWire / — Belgium’s federal government has approved a preliminary draft law that would allow victims of cyberbullying to request identifying information about anonymous perpetrators through the country’s telecommunications complaints system, extending a tool already used for malicious calls and text messages to online abuse.
The measure was advanced by Federal Consumer Protection Minister Rob Beenders with Digitalisation Minister Vanessa Matz as part of broader amendments to electronic communications rules. The draft was approved by the Council of Ministers on May 29 and remains subject to further institutional review before it can enter into force.
Under the proposal, victims would be able to ask the Telecommunications Ombudsman to help identify the name and address linked to anonymous online harassment. The mechanism is aimed at complaints involving digital platforms and messaging services, including cases reported through applications such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and Snapchat.
Existing complaint route expanded
Belgian rules already allow victims of malicious calls or text messages to seek help in identifying alleged perpetrators when a telephone number is involved. The new provisions would extend that approach to cyberbullying complaints where abusive conduct occurs online rather than through a conventional phone call or SMS.
Authorities have described the targeted conduct as including death threats, intimidation, stalking and other serious forms of harassment. Victims receiving identifying information would be able to provide it to police, use it in legal proceedings or contact the alleged perpetrator, according to the announced framework.
The proposal would also require operators and other relevant services to cooperate with investigations by the Telecommunications Ombudsman. Non cooperation could lead to enforcement action by the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications, the federal telecom regulator commonly known as BIPT.
Draft still under review
The approved preliminary draft forms part of a wider electronic communications package that also updates rules affecting telecom oversight, regulator powers, accessibility requirements and administrative procedures. The government said the package includes amendments intended to strengthen the handling of complaints involving malicious use of electronic communications networks.
Before adoption, the draft is to be submitted for advice to the Interministerial Committee for Telecommunications and Broadcasting, the Consultation Committee and the Council of State. Those steps form part of Belgium’s legislative review process for measures that affect federal and institutional responsibilities.
The Telecommunications Ombudsman recorded more than 15,000 written requests for intervention in 2025, including more than 12,000 mediation complaints and more than 2,600 complaints involving malicious use of electronic communications networks. Belgian public cyber safety guidance advises cyberbullying victims to preserve evidence, block harassers, seek support and report serious cases to police.