Crime isn’t content: new law punishes online bragging

By Monique Preston

Jun 18, 2025

People who post disturbing crimes on social media will now face extra jail time for doing so. Photo by Getty Images

Criminals who share their disturbing crimes on social media will face extra jail time under new legislation introduced by the Victorian Government.

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The Crimes Amendment (Performance Crime) Bill, introduced into parliament on June 17, will outlaw people posting and boasting about certain crimes on social media and messaging apps.

The new offence targets those who publish content bragging about their involvement in serious crimes such as affray, burglary, robbery, car theft, carjacking, home invasions and violent disorder.

This includes anyone encouraging or facilitating these crimes.

Anyone found guilty of a specified serious offence who has also posted and boasted about it will face up to two years’ jail on top of any other penalty imposed.

Currently, posting and boasting can be considered as an aggravating factor in sentencing, but this new stand-alone offence will see offenders face tougher penalties.

Third parties who are not involved in the offending such as witnesses, bystanders and journalists will not be captured by the new offence.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said he was pleased with the new laws.

“These laws back the work of Victoria Police and send a clear message to offenders — crime isn’t content, it isn’t entertainment, and it won’t be tolerated,” he said.