SYDNEY - Australia on Monday imposed sanctions on an extreme right-wing online network "Terrorgram" as part of its efforts to combat a rise in antisemitism and online extremism, and after similar moves by Britain and the United States.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government's move would make it a criminal offense to engage with "Terrorgram" and it would also help prevent children from becoming caught up in far-right extremism.

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US President Joe Biden's administration in January designated "Terrorgram", which primarily operates on the Telegram social media site, accusing it of promoting violent white supremacy. Britain in April made it a criminal offense in the country to belong to or promote the group.

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Australian police arrested members of a neo-Nazi group in the South Australian city of Adelaide last week when the country marked its National Day, and charged a man for displaying a Nazi symbol.

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Australia has also seen an escalating series of attacks on synagogues, buildings, and cars since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023, sparking fear among Australia's nearly 115,000 Jewish people.