Three teenagers in Australia have been charged under new laws that criminalize posting about crimes on social media platforms. The charges stem from alleged incidents of stolen high-end cars, with two of the teens posting about their involvement on social media.
The state of New South Wales, which includes the city of Sydney, passed a law last month that adds two extra years in jail for anyone convicted of a motor vehicle offense who proceeded to ‘advertise their involvement in the criminal behavior’ on social media. Lawmakers in Australia argued that people who post photos and videos of their crimes on social media were retraumatizing victims, which warrants a stronger punishment.
These kinds of laws aren’t just catching on in Australia. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a law that added harsher penalties for anyone who organizes retail theft through social media. It’s now a second-degree felony to commit retail theft with five or more people using social media ‘to solicit others to participate in the theft.’
The minors in Australia who allegedly stole the cars are scheduled to face children’s court this week, while the 18-year-old will appear in regular court on Wednesday.
