Australia has released drafts of proposed Internet laws which will see serious offenders serve up to 15 years in prison.

Anyone convicted of accessing, making or transmitting child pornography over the Internet could be sentenced to up to 10 years. Anyone using the Internet to procure children for sex would face 15 years imprisonment.

The draft law is meant for public discussion ahead of actual legislation.

Justice minister Chris Ellison hopes to see the law would passed by June. "These new offences will provide an avenue to prosecute Internet child pornography offenders Australia-wide under Commonwealth law," he said.

Using the Internet to incite or encourage violent protest will also be illegal. Interfering with the unique identity number on a mobile phone will likewise be an offence under the new law. ®

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