AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Sandra Booth has told a parliamentary inquiry that Australia is facing a “tsunami of youth crime” with children as young as 11 are now being radicalised online within days.
What we know:
- “This can be attributed to artificial intelligence, a growing grievance generation, young people searching for purpose and belonging, and the sophistication of these online networks,” Booth told the inquiry (National Tribune).
- Booth warned that “without serious intervention, Australia faces mental health, education, finance and judicial systems being overwhelmed by a younger generation and vulnerable people burdened by repeated victimisation or because they are committing serious criminal offences” (National Tribune).
- The AFP provided an example of radicalisation where a 13-year-old Discord user allegedly possessed violent extremist material, including a notebook that contained plans for a school shooting (The Guardian).
- Booth said the AFP was considering proposing to expand powers to disrupt harmful online chat groups, including by posting messages alerting users of police presence (ABC).
- A final report from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security is due to be handed down in March next year (The Guardian).