Since the introduction of Coco’s Law, there have been nearly 100 prosecutions for the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Named after Nicole ‘Coco’ Fox, this law criminalizes such acts and imposes penalties of fines and up to seven years imprisonment.
The Department of Justice conducted a review of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, which found an increase in awareness and prosecutions under the Act. An awareness campaign in partnership with Hotline.ie has led to greater understanding and reporting of intimate image abuse, with over 1,500 reports made and 92% of illegal content removed.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee praised the positive impact of the legislation, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the seriousness of sharing intimate images without consent. With the expectation of more prosecutions as awareness grows, the fight against intimate image abuse continues in Ireland.