Mayo senator introduces new Bill to criminalise ‘catfishing’ and protect victims

MAYO Senator Lisa Chambers has introduced a landmark bill in Seanad Éireann aimed at tackling the harmful practice of ‘catfishing’.

The proposed legislation would make it a criminal offence to engage in catfishing, empowering An Garda Síochána to act and providing crucial recourse for victims.

Catfishing occurs when an individual assumes a false identity online, often using stolen images or personal details, to deceive others into forming relationships, whether online or in person. While social media companies have a responsibility to safeguard their users, current laws provide no clear protection or recourse for those affected by catfishing.

“Catfishing is a deeply manipulative and emotionally abusive behaviour that causes severe stress and anxiety for its victims,” said Senator Chambers. “It’s time the law caught up with this growing problem.

“This Bill would modernise our legal system, giving gardaí the powers they need to address catfishing and support its victims.”

Victims of catfishing can fall into two categories. Firstly, those who are deceived into thinking they are in a relationship with a non-existent person, and secondly, individuals whose images and personal details are stolen to create fake online identities. Both groups suffer from emotional trauma and violation of privacy, yet current legislation offers them no recourse.

“We need to change the law to criminalise catfishing and protect people from emotional exploitation and abuse,” the Fianna Fáil Senator continued. “As it stands, victims have no legal avenues to get justice or even have their stolen images removed from social media platforms. My Bill aims to change that.

“Social media platforms must play a role in keeping users safe, but they have been reluctant to act unless legally required to. This legislation will create that legal obligation, empowering gardaí and giving victims the justice they deserve.”

The Non-Fatal Offences against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024 will move to second stage in Seanad Éireann today (Tuesday, October 22).