Catfishing could become criminal offence under proposed law

By Cate McCurry, PA

Catfishing could become a criminal offence under a new Bill which aims to punish anyone impersonating another person using fake photos online.

Under the proposed law, a person who, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, impersonates another individual online in a way that causes alarm, distress or harm, either to the impersonated person or someone else, could face up to five years in prison.

The Bill also empowers the courts to impose non-contact and exclusion orders to protect victims.

Fianna Fáil senator Fiona O’Loughlin reintroduced the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024, which proposes to make catfishing a criminal offence.

Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, Ms O’Loughlin said the legislation recognises that online abuse is as damaging as abuse that happens offline.

“We have criminalised identity theft in the physical world. Why should someone be able to impersonate you online, deceive others using your photos or name, and face no legal consequences?” Ms O’Loughlin said.

The offence applies when someone operates a computer, phone or similar device to impersonate another person without their consent and causes substantial interference with their peace, privacy or day-to-day life.

Ms O’Loughlin said a key focus of the Bill is access to justice.

“Victims currently face a costly and time-consuming court process just to retrieve basic information from platforms. The Bill would enable gardaí to make direct data requests to these companies, which are often reluctant to act unless legally compelled,” the senator added.

“This Bill is about more than enforcement, it’s about sending a message.

“Catfishing is not a joke. It’s not just awkward online dating gone wrong. It is deception, often deliberate and manipulative, and in many cases, deeply damaging.

“Whether it’s a teenager targeted for exploitation, a grandparent conned out of their savings, or a young woman whose face is used to lure others — it’s always a violation.

“This legislation is not just for the young, or just for the tech-savvy. It’s for everyone. It’s about making our legal system fit for the online age and protecting people from abuse that’s just as harmful, if not more so, than abuse that happens offline.

“Laws shape norms. By recognising catfishing as a crime, we start treating it with the seriousness it deserves.”