Facebook Coast 182: The Federal Court Strike
Facebook Coast 182: The Defiant Return and the Federal Court Strike
I am writing to provide an update on a matter that has escalated from digital harassment to a high-stakes legal battle in the Federal Court of Australia.
The anonymous Facebook profile known as "Coast 182"—which has engaged in a systematic "Digital Lynch Mob" against myself, City of Gold Coast Councillors, the Mayor, the CEO, and various public servants—is once again active. While Meta previously removed over 30 defamatory posts, the operator's persistence in reactivating the account proves that platform reporting alone is not enough.
This account continues to operate in violation of Facebook's Community Standards regarding authentic identity. It has caused significant distress to many, and its reappearance confirms that the only way to stop this sustained assault on mental health is through the power of the law.
The Federal Court Strike: File No. QUD78/2026
On 11 February 2026, I filed an Originating Application for Discovery in the Federal Court (District Registry: Queensland) against Meta Platforms, Inc. The reactivation of the profile makes this application more critical than ever.
Using Federal Court Rule 7.24(1), I am seeking to strip away the "cloak of anonymity" that the operator of "Coast 182" relies upon. My application compels Meta to disclose:
- Registration Data: Actual names, physical addresses, and recovery emails.
- Activity Logs: Timestamps and IP addresses used to create, access, and reactivate the profile.
- Forensic Recovery: Access to content that has been "soft-deleted" or hidden during periods of deactivation.
A Private Action for Public Integrity
I have taken this legal action in my personal capacity. While the harassment occurred within my professional environment as a Councillor Advisor, I am not representing the City of Gold Coast. Public authorities cannot bring defamation actions; therefore, I have stepped forward independently.
This case is the primary case study for my upcoming book, illustrating the "Poseidon Protocol"—my proprietary framework combining Cyber Security forensics with Defamation Law to unmask anonymous attackers who believe they are above the law.
The "Coast 182" Campaign: A Digital Lynch Mob
As documented in my Sworn Affidavit, "Coast 182" is a dedicated "troll" entity. Its tactics include:
- Sybil Attacks: Coordinated "bot swarms" to amplify misinformation.
- Synthetic Media: AI-generated deepfakes designed to degrade elected officials.
- Criminal Imputations: Baseless claims of financial impropriety and foreign interference.
The Physiological Injury: PTSD and the Nervous System
In Defending the Digital Self, I explore the "Physiological Injury" of trolling. As someone who has lived with PTSD, I know that a digital assault is a sustained attack on the human nervous system. The reactivation of "Coast 182" is a calculated attempt to continue that trauma.
I am guided by the principle that the law must be a "living shield" for human dignity.
2026 Horizon: Reclaiming the Light
The days of anonymous sniping are coming to an end. We don't just wait for the platforms to act; we use the tools of the Digital Janitor to reclaim the public square. Once the Federal Court discovery confirms the identity of the individual(s) behind "Coast 182," I will be pursuing all available civil and legal remedies.
eSafety Commissioner's Statement on Online Abuse and Defamation
Under the Online Safety Act 2021, the eSafety Commissioner focuses on extreme online abuse. While reputational harm or false allegations are deeply upsetting, these usually fall under defamation, which is outside the Commissioner's powers.
Legal options: Defamation matters require independent legal advice. The Queensland Law Society’s Find a Solicitor service can assist in locating specialists. Be mindful of strict time limits.
Police assistance: Local police may assist under Section 474.17 of the Criminal Code Act 1995, which covers menacing, harassing, or offensive use of carriage services.
Editor’s Note
Due to the increasing nature of harassment originating from the "Coast 182" profile, comments on this post have been disabled.
Further material is being filed with the Federal Court today. Additionally, this matter is now being referred to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for investigation of offenses under Section 474.17 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
