Criminals who “post and boast” about their offences on social media could face extra jail time in Victoria under a proposal going before state parliament today.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the legislation will target anyone who posts content bragging about their involvement in serious crimes — affray, burglary and robbery, car theft, carjacking, home invasions and violent disorder — on social media and messaging apps.
Those found guilty will face up to two years’ imprisonment, in addition to the penalties incurred from the crime itself.
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Kilkenny said the move is in response to a “disturbing” increase of young people turning “crime into content” to achieve notoriety and incite copycat offences.
“We’re responding to what is a disturbing and increasing trend amongst particularly young offenders, who are broadcasting their criminality, their serious offences,” she said.
“It is retraumatising victims. It is driving fear in our communities. We need to put a stop to it, and we need to do it now.”
Currently, posting and boasting about crimes online is an aggravating factor, but the proposed legislation will make it a standalone offence.
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Victoria Police will also be given powers to issue search warrants to pursue online crime and online content.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines encouraged anyone who sees social media posts about criminal activity to contact Crime Stoppers.
“Make a report. In many cases, we can only act when people make reports,” he said.
Third parties who are not involved in the crime, like witnesses and journalists, will not be affected.
The legislation will likely gain support from the opposition, who have consistently called for a tougher stance on crime.
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