Are you sharing online? See how this new law could land you in trouble!

In the digital age, sharing moments of our lives online has become second nature. Social media platforms are awash with snapshots of personal experiences, from the mundane to the extraordinary.

However, a concerning trend has emerged where individuals share content that glorifies violent or illegal acts, often to gain notoriety or 'likes'.

This has prompted the South Australian government to take a firm stance with proposed 'Post and Boast' laws that could have significant implications for social media users.


The proposed legislation introduced today is a bold move to curb the sharing of content featuring violent or illegal acts.

Under these new laws, individuals who post or disseminate such material could face up to two years in prison.

This applies regardless of whether the subjects in the post were charged with a crime.


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The South Australian government has introduced legislation targeting the sharing of violent or illegal acts on social media. Credit: Facebook


This marks a significant shift in regulating online behaviour and underscores the government's commitment to addressing this digital-age dilemma.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher has clarified that the rise in youth crime is not the sole motivator behind these laws.

'I think we are seeing stupid people do this across the board,' he said.

'People are doing really stupid things in cars or fights on streets and glorifying that sort of behaviour.'


These actions are often recorded and shared online, glorifying such behaviour.

The 'Post and Boast' legislation is not just about punishing those sharing this content but also protecting victims.

Imagine the distress and trauma of reliving a violent experience through its endless circulation on the internet.

These laws aim to shield victims from harm, ensuring their rights are respected digitally.

Of course, the legislation is not without its nuances. Exemptions will be in place for sharing material that serves a legitimate public purpose, such as raising awareness or journalistic reporting.


This ensures that the law strikes a balance between preventing harm and upholding the freedom of expression.

The state government is confident that the legislation will be passed by mid-year, signalling a new era of accountability for online content sharing.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's crucial to stay informed about these changes, especially since many of us are active on social media, connecting with friends and family.

While most of us share content responsibly, it's important to be aware of the potential legal ramifications of sharing certain types of content.

Before hitting 'post', consider whether the content could be seen as glorifying illegal or violent acts. If in doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution.
Key Takeaways

  • The South Australian government has introduced legislation targeting the sharing of violent or illegal acts on social media, which could lead to jail time for offenders.
  • Individuals posting or sharing such content could face up to two years in prison, even if no one in the post was charged with a crime.
  • The Attorney-general highlighted the issue as a broader problem, not solely related to youth crime, citing reckless behaviours being glorified online.
  • The proposed laws, known as 'post and boast' laws, are designed to protect victims' rights and prevent the re-traumatisation that can occur when illegal content is circulated. Exemptions will be made for sharing material with a legitimate public interest.
Have you encountered content that would fall foul of these proposed laws? How do these regulations affect how we share and consume content online? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
 

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