A new Bill proposes to make catfishing a criminal offense, with penalties of up to five years in prison for those who impersonate others online causing harm or distress. The legislation also allows for non-contact and exclusion orders to protect victims. The Bill aims to address the serious consequences of online abuse and deception, recognizing the harm it can cause.

Fianna Fail senator Fiona O’Loughlin reintroduced the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024, emphasizing the importance of access to justice for victims of catfishing. The Bill would enable law enforcement to make direct data requests to online platforms, streamlining the process for victims seeking information. O’Loughlin stresses the need to treat catfishing with the seriousness it deserves, as it can have damaging effects on individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The proposed legislation aims to send a message that catfishing is not a joke, but a deliberate and manipulative form of deception that can have serious consequences. By criminalizing catfishing, the Bill seeks to shape norms and protect individuals from online abuse that can be just as harmful as offline abuse. O’Loughlin emphasizes the importance of making the legal system fit for the online age and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.