A teenager who is suspected to be part of hacking collective Anonymous has been apprehended in Australia.

The unnamed 17 year-old has been charged with "unauthorised access to computer data," and has appeared in Parramatta Children's Court today over allegations that they have committed "serious offences" on the behalf of hacktivist collective Anonymous.

The Australia's Federal Police (AFP) issued a statement over the matter, saying that a search warrant was issued at the youth's home in Glenmore Park, New South Wales, in November last year.

The AFP says that the teenager has been charged with the following:

Six counts of unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment: Maximum penalty of 10 years;

One count of unauthorised access with intent to commit a serious offence: Maximum penalty of 10 years;

One count of possession of data with intent to commit a computer offence: Maximum penalty of 3 years;

Twelve counts of unauthorised access to restricted data: Maximum penalty of 2 years.

The 17 year-old is due to appear in court again on May 17th.

Commander Glen McEwen commented:

"Protesting through computer intrusions and website defacements is not an appropriate method to raise public awareness about any issue. The AFP investigates various types of cybercrime and will continue to take a strong stance against these perpetrators."

As the case is now in the hands of the court, the AFP will not comment further on the charges.