Helen McEntee

Justice Minister Helen McEntee marked Safer Internet Day today by commencing the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, which the government calls “Coco’s Law” after a young woman who took her own life in 2018.

The law creates two new offences, the first of which deals with the distribution or publication of intimate images without consent and with intent to cause harm. The penalties applicable can be an unlimited fine and/or seven years’ imprisonment.

The second offence deals with the taking, distribution or publication of intimate images without consent even if there is no specific intent to cause harm. This offence will carry a maximum penalty of a €5,000 fine and/or 12 months’ imprisonment.

The bill was amended last November to include the new offences in the wake of high-profile news reports that intimate images of thousands of Irish women had been leaked and exchanged online.

Ms McEntee said: “Image-based abuse is absolutely disgusting and can ruin lives. There can be no tolerance for online abuse. Coco’s Law represents a big step forward in tackling harassment and harmful communications.

“I am honoured to pay tribute to the memory of Nicole Fox, and to the selfless efforts of her mother, Jackie, who has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness about the harmful effects of online abuse and to make our laws stronger in this area.

“This legislation will not only provide an effective tool to bring to justice those who use technology to harm others, but it will also send a clear message that as a society the sharing, or threat to share, an intimate image of another person without their consent is not acceptable in any circumstance.”

An agreement has also been reached between the Department of Justice, the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre at DCU and the Department of Education to establish a “research observatory on cyberbullying”.

The observatory, funded by the Department of Justice, will focus on providing up-to-date research, advice and resources related to cyberbullying, cyberhate, and online harassment, and the implementation of the new law.