Social media users who post or share videos of criminal acts to boost their online image might soon face jail time under tough new laws by the Cook Labor Government.
The new ‘post and boast’ legislation will make it criminal offence to upload or circulate videos of illegal or dangerous behaviour for the purpose of gaining notoriety, humiliating victims, or encouraging copycats.
Under the proposed changes, offenders could face up to three years in prison. Courts will also have the power to order the removal of content, with those who refuse facing up to 12 months in jail and a $12,000 fine.
Attorney General Dr Tony Buti said the government was taking action to stop the glorification of criminal acts online.
He said, “We are prioritising this legislation and getting on with delivering a key election commitment,” he said.
“Glorifying criminal behaviour on social media is simply not good enough, and these new laws will crack down on it.”
Dr Buti said the laws were designed to protect the community, including victim-survivors.
“We are sending a clear message to the community and to those who seek to glorify this sort of criminal behaviour that it’s just not on, and there will be consequences.
“Community safety is a priority for this government, this includes ensuring people feel safe when online and protecting victim-survivors from re-traumatisation.”
The offences covered include assaults, stealing, robbery, property damage, reckless driving, racial harassment and inciting racial hatred, as well as the use of Nazi symbols and salutes.
People can be charged even if they are not convicted of the crime shown in the video, and the laws will also apply to those who repost the material.
Police Minister Reece Whitby said the new penalties were some of the strongest in the country.
“People trying to glamorise criminal or anti-social exploits on social media pose an unacceptable risk to community safety by encouraging imitators.
“Western Australia will impose the highest maximum penalty among all the States that have introduced similar legislation.
“Importantly, the laws will compel offenders to take down posts and penalise those who choose to share them online.”
Exemptions will be made for content used for legitimate news reporting, complaints, public warnings, or genuine artistic and satirical purposes.
