In today's digital age, everything ends up online.

Whether it's a photo of your grandkids, videos of animals doing cute things, or even disturbing content, they all have seen the light of the day.

While social media has become a tool to share important information, a council has noticed an uptick in its usage for dangerous things.

A growing number of offenders are taking to social media to 'post and boast' about their illegal activities, and Victoria has had enough.

The Victorian government is set to introduce strict laws targeting criminals using social media and messaging applications to brag about serious crimes.

Under the proposed legislation, anyone found guilty of posting their involvement in offences could face jail time.

These offences include affray, burglary, robbery, car theft, carjacking, home invasions, or violent disorder.

Despite strict community guidelines, social media applications are still being used for criminal activity. Image Credit: Pexels/Magnus Mueller

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny explained that this move was in response to a worrying trend among young people.

'We're responding to what is a disturbing and increasing trend amongst particularly young offenders, who are broadcasting their criminality, their serious offences,' Attorney-General Kilkenny 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.'

The rise of social media has brought many benefits, especially for those who love to keep in touch with distant family and friends.

However, it has also created new challenges for law enforcement.

Criminals are no longer content with keeping their activities down low.

Instead, they have started sharing videos and photos of their crimes.

Other criminals have resorted to live streaming so viewers could can witness crimes in real time.

This behaviour glorifies illegal activities and could encourage offenders to engage in similar actions.

Prior to the new laws, posting about a crime online was an 'aggravating factor' in sentencing.

Yet, with the new legislation, it will now be a standalone offence.

On top of their initial sentence for the crime, offenders caught posting on social media could face two more years in jail time.

If you see something suspicious on social media, Police Minister Anthony Carbines urged everyone to report it to Crime Stoppers.

'Make a report. In many cases, we can only act when people make reports,' Police Minister Carbines said.

Victoria Police will also be given new powers to issue search warrants to pursue online crime and content.

The opposition is expected to support the legislation, having long called for a tougher stance on crime.

For most seniors, the idea of posting about a crime online is unthinkable.

However, these new laws should be a reminder of how quickly the digital landscape is changing, and sometimes, for the worse.

It could also raise awareness of what people should share online.

This news could be a reminder to talk to your children and grandchildren about the risks of oversharing online.

While social media can be a fantastic way to stay connected, it's important to use it wisely and responsibly.

Key Takeaways

• New laws in Victoria could see criminals who' post and boast' about their offences online face up to two years of additional jail time on top of existing penalties.
• The legislation targeted serious crimes like affray, burglary, robbery, car theft, carjacking, home invasions, and violent disorder when offenders brag about them online.
• The crackdown came after a worrying rise in young offenders using social media to seek notoriety and incite copycat crimes.
• Victoria Police would have new powers to issue search warrants for online crime, and the public is urged to report any criminal posts they see online to authorities.

Have you noticed this trend of 'posting and boasting' online? Could these new laws deter crime, or is it just another example of the government catching up with technology? We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.

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

 

[novezar]

Its certainly about time action was taken.
Wy overdue.

 

[Toni Wrinkles]

good

 

[Julie1946]

Won’t make an difference, Victoria can’t get street crime under control let alone anything these criminals post on line… the Victorian government is so corrupt that they don’t listen or act in time to keep people safe… and they have to be pressured to do anything to reign in attacks on their citizens, Les Twentyman (god rest his soul) called for a ban on machetes years ago and was never listened to, only under public pressure has the inadequate ban been imposed and it still favours the victims… Victoria is the crime capital of Australia, every thing put aside so her railway can be built and bugger everything else

 

[MaccaMan]

It is you, Attorney-General Kilkenny, who is driving the fear. We 'supposedly' live in a democratic society however I feel our freedom of speech is continuously eroding. Once you begin silencing a (very) small group of people, it's a slippery slope. How about dealing with the individuals as opposed to silencing all as a whole?
A bit like ol Albo hitting up those hard-working Aussies with a $3M super balance. Don't think for one minute it will stop there. Once everyone thinks it's okay, 'because my super's only 500K' it'll be on our doorstop before you know it.

 

[Frida1944]

If these people are so arrogant and stupid enough to post online about their "crimes" - they deserve the legal repercussions. Not exactly brain surgery is it?

 

[Trina G]

Won’t make an difference, Victoria can’t get street crime under control let alone anything these criminals post on line… the Victorian government is so corrupt that they don’t listen or act in time to keep people safe… and they have to be pressured to do anything to reign in attacks on their citizens, Les Twentyman (god rest his soul) called for a ban on machetes years ago and was never listened to, only under public pressure has the inadequate ban been imposed and it still favours the victims… Victoria is the crime capital of Australia, every thing put aside so her railway can be built and bugger everything else

Please explain what corrupt activities the government is doing. Please don’t use the word corrupt without actual proof.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Let them keep posting. If I were tge Government I would have kept it quiet about jail time. Then they would have caught more of these hooligans.

They will still do the crimes they just won't post it.

 

[Grazia58Aus]

Its certainly about time action was taken.
Wy overdue.

This law it should be a nation wide

 

[Colette 3799]

The thing is to get an extra two years in jail, they have to put the offenders in jail in the first place but instead they keep bailing them. Apparently here in Victoria we have the toughest bail laws in Australia, so the Allen government tell us. And yet these little s#*ts are back on the streets within hours time and time again. It’s all just words.

 

[mOiOz]

Let them keep posting. If I were tge Government I would have kept it quiet about jail time. Then they would have caught more of these hooligans.

They will still do the crimes they just won't post it.

Exactly what I was thinking... if they want to expose their crimes and themselves, let them..!!! I can recall several cases, when these morons were identified through their postings.
If the government thinks it encourages or teaches others to do wrong - forget it!
It's already on the World Wide Web (When What Where)!
You can even find explanations of how to make a bomb, pretty sure that beats hooning and break-ins!

 

[Suzanne rose]

Exactly what I was thinking... if they want to expose their crimes and themselves, let them..!!! I can recall several cases, when these morons were identified through their postings.
If the government thinks it encourages or teaches others to do wrong - forget it!
It's already on the World Wide Web (When What Where)!
You can even find explanations of how to make a bomb, pretty sure that beats hooning and break-ins!

It's the same as speed cameras and how they let you know one is ahead. Even maps will tell you a camera is ahead.
People slow down abd as soon as they pass the camera they speed up .

The only benefit is if where the camera is its a black spot

 

[Macarj]

So it isn't just an opinion it is writing about doing criminal things

 

[Jo Piper3]

Is it really something for the offenders to be proud of?

 

[Jest]

so many idiots and i will assue you it will not get better.
a bit scary as to who will run Australia say 20 years down the track, I will say the muslims.

 

[Radiant]

Unbelievable!! Just can’t imagine who would be proud enough to post their illegal exploits and boast about them. I would be ashamed to think others had found out that I had done something that would shame me.

 

[mOiOz]

so many idiots and i will assue you it will not get better.
a bit scary as to who will run Australia say 20 years down the track, I will say the muslims.

100%

 

[Chris P Bacon]

Yeah right like anything will come of it.
They have repeat offenders on bail for multiple offences still roaming the streets.

 

[Leenie]

so many idiots and i will assue you it will not get better.
a bit scary as to who will run Australia say 20 years down the track, I will say the muslims.

That’s their agenda with a little help from Tony Burke sidekick was ALBO.

 

[Colette 3799]

Unbelievable!! Just can’t imagine who would be proud enough to post their illegal exploits and boast about them. I would be ashamed to think others had found out that I had done something that would shame me.

It’s a badge of honour for these morons. They love others to see the pain and misery they inflict on their victims. It gives them power, they don’t think the same as normal, decent human beings. They are the scum of the earth