VIC Protection of people who carry illicit data for the police.

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6 October 2017
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If I come across illegal images/videos (underage pornography, illicit imagery etc.) or data (eg malware codes, torrent movie files, drug site locations etc.) on a public BBS, like 4Chan, and download said data for the sole purpose of giving it to the police or making the police aware of its existence, can I be charged with possession of this data? And if so, what is the best way of reporting it to the police without being charged?
 
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Iamthelaw

Well-Known Member
13 September 2016
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If I come across illegal images/videos (underage pornography, illicit imagery etc.) or data (eg malware codes, torrent movie files, drug site locations etc.) on a public BBS, like 4Chan, and download said data for the sole purpose of giving it to the police or making the police aware of its existence, can I be charged with possession of this data?
Yes, you could be charged for downloading it. You could also be charged for 'accessing' it depending on the legislation.

And if so, what is the best way of reporting it to the police without being charged?
Contact the police report it.
 

Iamthelaw

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13 September 2016
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794

Tim W

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28 April 2014
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Be clear about one thing - unless you're doing it by prior arrangement,
you're not "carrying it" "for" anyone.
At law, you are acting on your own.
Stay away from that stuff.
 

Clancy

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6 April 2016
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Yes, like Tim W says, stay away from that stuff. Police will not hesitate to charge you if they find pedophilia material in your possession regardless if it is in your possession for the good intentions, accident, setup by an enemy or hacked, something your child unwittingly did, whatever, IRRELEVANT - you have it, that's ALL that counts, your nicked!