Teen charged over internet video threats

An Auckland teenager who made internet videos claiming that explosives had been hidden in New Zealand Government buildings has been charged by police. File photo / Mark Mitchell

An 18-year-old South Auckland man has been charged after threatening the goverment on YouTube.

The threats, which were made in a video posted on the social media site, included claims that explosives had been hidden in New Zealand government buildings.

He also said that government and media websites would be hacked.

Police believe the threats were an apparent protest against the new Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Act.

Acting detective inspector Pete Jones of Counties Manukau said police drew on the expertise of the National Cyber Crime Centre (NC3) and the Electronic Crime Labratory to locate the man.

"Such threats are taken very seriously by police and this investigation demonstrates police have the expertise and resources to trace those who make such threats on the internet."

The man is due to appear in Manukau District court tomorrow.