The Government is moving to act to tackle the insidious trend of so-called posting and boasting, where criminal activities are filmed and shared online.

Under the proposed laws, perpetrators could face up to two years in prison.

The laws would apply to offences including violent acts, illegal activity involving motor vehicles, use of weapons or taking, damaging, destroying, removing, using, interfering with or entering property.

The draft Bill would also make it an offence for those who publish offending material regardless of whether they were actively involved in the criminal offence itself, and making practical changes to ensure the offence is not unduly broad.

Defences will be available in cases where there is a legitimate reason to post footage of illegal activity – such as informing the public, or in the course of carrying out law enforcement activities.

Targeted consultation will take place with government agencies including the Department for Education, advocacy bodies for children and young people and the legal profession from today until early November.