Two years in jail for posting and promoting crime on social media under new proposed laws

New laws have been proposed by the state government, which could see criminals locked up for two years for posting and boasting their exploits on social media.

People who glorify criminal conduct by posting their exploits to social media could soon face up to two years in prison under new laws to be introduced in state parliament this week.

Under the government’s proposal, people who commit crime, and then post and promote it on social media platforms could face charges regardless of whether they are charged by police over their original conduct or not.

The proposed policy has been developed by the state government following extensive consultation with members of the legal community, law enforcement and educators.

Screenshots of post and boast crime videos posted by young people on social media Meta, TikTok, bush crime. Kids creeping around in a house they have broken into. Photo: Instagram

Attorney-General, Kyam Maher said the new law was to send a “strong” message to individuals who encourage other people to commit crime through social media.

“Criminals who seek to gain notoriety by posting and boasting could potentially incite or encourage others, and further embolden their own illegal acts,” he said.

“The Government is all too aware of the risks that are associated with social media, which is why we began a campaign to take strong, decisive action to protect people, especially young South Australians, for the harms associated with it.

“Giving authorities the ability to prosecute, with offenders facing up to two years in jail, should send a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in our state.”

Attorney-General Kyam Maher Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Mr Maher also praised Upper House MLC, Frank Pangallo for raising “awareness of this activity”.

The proposed laws aim to target a rise in criminal behaviour being posted to Meta (Facebook), Instagram, TikTok and other social media networks.

In recent years, criminal behaviour filmed and posted to social media from both adults and youths includes stealing cars, breaking into houses and filming street fights have raised concerns for SA Police and the state government.

In SA, Port Augusta locals have previously spoken to The Advertiser about youth committing violent crimes in the regional centre, including arranging fights to film and share on social media to gain “notoriety”.

The state government said a defence would be available in cases where the material was posted for a legitimate public purpose, such as where it was posted in the public interest for journalistic or artistic purposes, or for the purpose of educating or informing the public.

Originally published as Two years in jail for posting and promoting crime on social media under new proposed laws