Criminals who 'post and boast' on social media to face greater jail time in Victoria
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny.
Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny. (Nine)

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.

Toronto, Canada - September 24, 2023:  Popular social media apps on an Apple iPhone: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Reddit, TikTok, and Threads.
The Allan government is introducing the legislation in response to a trend among young people. (Getty)

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Woman Allegedly Sets Ex’s House Ablaze After Being Stood Up for Concert, Police Report

Background: Peek Road in Hartselle, Ala. (Google Maps). Inset: Amy Beth Taylor…

Former Groomsman Denied Bail in Connection to ‘Brutal’ Gold Coast Murder

A man accused of brutally murdering a father-of-two has been denied bail…

Weeks After a Raucous Party at Elaine’s House, She Disappeared

On its surface, the NSW Sutherland Shire was a carefree place to…

Conservative Judges Clash Over Alien Enemies Act Case

Left: James Ho is taking the oath during a Senate Judiciary Committee…

Driver Fatally Strikes Two Teenage Girls on Bikes After Stalking Them

Two 17-year-old girls in New Jersey were killed on Monday when they…

Police Issue Warning Following Increase in Counterfeit Currency

South Australian police have issued a warning over a surge in counterfeit…

Indiana Man Fatally Injures Girlfriend in Front of Young Daughter

An Indiana man is facing charges for shooting his girlfriend in the…

Florida Receives $13.6 Million in Federal Funding to Enhance Immigration Enforcement

Press release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles…

Police Report: Teen Involved in Fatal Stabbing Incident

Background: News footage showing the residence in Carrolltown, Pennsylvania, where two individuals…

Body of Missing California Woman Discovered in Attic

A California woman reported missing late last week has been found dead,…

Wealthy Financier’s Personal Assistant Accused of Aiding in Scheme to Lure Models to Secretive Location: FBI

The personal assistant of retired financier Howard Rubin reportedly helped him lure…

Gainesville resident detained after assaulting security guard at Shands

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Lavell Lorenzo Lawrence Strong, 29, was arrested…