Calls for Swift Action as Experts and Victims Welcome New Catfishing Bill
Experts and victims call for urgent action to criminalise catfishing as new Bill is welcomed - campaigners urge the public to contact their TDs.
A new Bill that would criminalise catfishing in Ireland has been widely welcomed by mental health charity Turn2Me, Chartered Clinical Psychologist Dr. Malie Coyne, and Danielle Ryan Sweeney, a victim of catfishing. The Bill was introduced on 2nd April by Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, who also penned an Op-Ed in the Irish Independent highlighting the need for legislative action.
Catfishing is the act of creating fake online identities to deceive or manipulate others, often resulting in emotional, psychological, and financial harm. Despite the serious consequences, catfishing is not currently a standalone offence in Irish law. Legal action is only possible in cases involving fraud, leaving many victims without access to justice or support.
At present, those targeted by catfishing or whose images have been used without consent must pursue expensive legal avenues, such as Norwich Pharmacal Orders, which can cost tens of thousands of euros. Campaigners argue that this route is financially inaccessible for most people.
Turn2Me and Dr. Coyne are urging the government to strengthen the proposed Bill by requiring social media and dating platforms to establish or fund a reporting system. This would allow users to flag suspected catfishing without resorting to costly court orders. They propose that individuals who discover their images are being misused could upload ID and selfies to prove their identity, prompting platforms to remove the false profile and provide the victim with the impersonator’s email, name, and IP address within five working days.
The campaigners have outlined five key reasons why catfishing must be criminalised:
- Psychological Harm to Victims
Victims of catfishing often experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, humiliation, and self-doubt. Criminalising the act would recognise and address the serious mental health impacts. - Prevention of Financial Fraud and Exploitation
Catfishing is frequently linked to scams that defraud victims of money. Legislation would provide stronger protections and consequences for perpetrators. - Protection of Young and Vulnerable People
Teenagers and vulnerable adults are at heightened risk. Stronger laws could help prevent grooming, coercion, and blackmail. - Bridging the Legal Gap
Current legislation does not cover the emotional deception involved in catfishing. A new law would close this gap and ensure accountability. - Deterrence and Accountability
Without criminal penalties, catfishing is seen as a low-risk activity. New laws would act as a deterrent and show that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, welcomed the Bill, stating:
“Catfishing isn’t just harmless online deception—it can have serious mental health and financial consequences. It’s time for the government to act and introduce legislation to criminalise this practice, ensuring that victims receive justice and that perpetrators are held accountable. We welcome the Bill put forward by former Senator Lisa Chambers and Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, it’s a brilliant first step, and we would welcome the opportunity to input additions to the drafting of this Bill to make it more robust.”
Dr. Malie Coyne, Chartered Clinical Psychologist, added:
“Having worked with many victims of catfishing, I have seen first-hand how being deceived in this way can completely shake a victim’s sense of security in the world and trust in others, with often debilitating consequences for their overall health. This form of abuse directed towards a person needs to be acknowledged and called out for what it is.”
Danielle Ryan Sweeney, who was catfished by a former colleague, shared her personal experience:
“Catfishing can take many forms and has evolved over time. Unfortunately, Irish legislation surrounding this area has not kept up, so while I was subjected to disturbing levels of deceit, distress and coercive control, there remains no legal consequences for such truly damaging and dangerous behaviours. I urge the government to move forward with new legislation, that offers both protection and some form of justice for victims, without unnecessary barriers.”
The campaigners are also encouraging members of the public to contact their local TDs to show support for the Bill and help bring about meaningful legal change.
