Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the sharing of intimate images without consent would not be tolerated.
President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has signed new legislation criminalising the distribution of intimate images without consent into law.
The President signed the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017 into law on Monday.
Having considered the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017, President Higgins has today signed the Bill and it has accordingly become law.
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) December 28, 2020
“Having considered the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017, President Higgins has today signed the Bill and it has accordingly become law,” a statement from the press office of President Michael D Higgins read.
The news means there’s two new offences to deal with the non-consensual distribution of intimate images
The first offence relates to the taking, distribution, publication or threat to distribute intimate images without consent and with intent to cause harm to the victim and comes with a penalty of up to seven years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
The second offence is the same but without the requirement that the person intended to cause harm to the victim and will carry a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment and/or a €5,000 fine.
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