Australia Sanctions Online White Supremacist Network ‘Terrorgram’

A supplied screen-grab obtained on Oct. 13, 2024, shows a group of white supremacists demonstrating in Corowa, New South Wales on the Murray River in Australia. AAP Image/Supplied by The Noticer

The Australian government has imposed counter-terrorism financing sanctions on Terrorgram, a global white supremacist network.

Terrorgram, an online platform that promotes white supremacy and violence, is now targeted to disrupt extremist activities in Australia.

The new sanctions make it a criminal offence to engage with or provide assets to Terrorgram, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines.

“These sanctions send a clear message: this is unacceptable, and we stand against hate in all of its forms,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Wong noted that this is the first time an online-only entity has been sanctioned under Australia’s counter-terrorism financing laws.

The new sanctions enable authorities to target individuals and entities linked to Terrorgram, blocking their access to financial resources.

She described Terrorgram as a “very serious” threat, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting Australians from extremist networks.

“This is an online network all about extremism, white supremacy, and hate,” Wong told ABC News.

When asked if the group had been linked to the caravan of explosives found in Dural or other anti-Semitic attacks, Wong refused to devulge details.

“I am certainly not going to get into ongoing investigations. We want to ensure police can do their jobs and those responsible are identified and held accountable.”

Tackling Online Extremism

This is part of the government’s ongoing strategy to prevent the radicalisation of vulnerable individuals and curb the spread of violent ideologies.

Wong said it was important to use all available tools to keep Australians safe and protect youth from online radicalisation.

The Australian response aligns with international efforts to address the growing problem of extremist groups operating on the internet.

In April 2024, the United Kingdom also proscribed Terrorgram as a terrorist organisation. Under UK law, it is now a criminal offence to belong to or support the network, with penalties including up to 14 years in prison.

The UK’s move includes provisions that make it a crime to collect or possess information useful for terrorism.

In December 2024, the Australian Federal Police warned of rising youth radicalisation, urging parents to monitor online activities.

From January 2020 to December 2024, 37 minors, including a 12-year-old, were investigated for extremist activity, with 57 percent charged with offences.

Expanded Sanctions Against Extremist Groups

Alongside targeting Terrorgram, the Australian government has re-listed four other extremist entities for counter-terrorism financing sanctions.

These groups—National Socialist Order, the Russian Imperial Movement, Sonnenkrieg Division, and The Base—are known for promoting violent, nationalist, and racist ideologies.

Additionally, government has also imposed sanctions on Hizballah’s new secretary-general and a leading spokesperson for the terrorist group, Naim Qassem.

The statement claims that Hizballah is responsible for numerous civilian deaths across Lebanon, Israel, and the Middle East.

The sanctions come amid a troubling rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia,.

Between May 2024 and January 2025, the country witnessed graffiti of Australia’s largest Jewish school, attack on a child-care center vandalism of Jewish-owned properties, and synagogue arson.

The Australian government swiftly responded with taskforces aimed at tackling this rise in anti-Semitism and violence.

Opposition Pushes for Tougher Penalties

Wong’s actions come shortly after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s vow to introduce mandatory minimum jail terms for anti-Semitic offences under a Coalition government.

Dutton has promised to introduce minimum sentences for a range of crimes, including a new offence for threatening places of worship.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson has said that if the Coalition wins, it would enforce at least six years’ imprisonment for Commonwealth terror offences and 12 months for displaying hate symbols, such as flags associated with terror groups.

Wong’s Defence of Government Measures

Wong defended the government’s actions, stating, “What government can do is put in place measures that keep people safe. These sanctions are one of them.”

She pointed to other actions taken by the government, including outlawing the Nazi salute and criminalising doxxing.

Wong also criticised Dutton for voting against the unauthorised release of private information for malicious purposes, highlighting the government’s broader approach to tackling extremism.

“We all have to work together because, fundamentally, this goes to who we are as Australians. We treat each other with respect and acceptance, and we must continue to hold on to that.”