‘Why are we lagging behind?’ Renewed call for action in Kildare over proposed Catfishing Bill

A political representative based in South Kildare has once again called for the introduction of a proposed Catfishing Bill.

Catfishing refers to when a person uses fake photos and information, which are often stolen from real people, to create a false identity in order to deceive, extort and / or manipulate another person or even multiple people online all at once. 

Expressing her concern regarding this issue, Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin has renewed her call from July of this year for the swift passage of her Bill, which aims to make catfishing a standalone criminal offence.

Her appeal follows revelations that Northern Irish sex offender Alexander McCartney continued to offend and catfish while he was on bail for similar crimes.

McCartney posed as someone else online to deceive children into sending indecent images, which he then used to blackmail them with.

Cimarron Thomas, a girl from West Virginia in the United States of America, took her own life in 2018 following contact with him online. In January 2020, Cimarron’s father, Benjamin Jay Thomas, also took his own life.

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Speaking on the issue, Senator O'Loughlin said: "We have criminalised identity theft in the offline world; why are we lagging behind when it comes to the online world, where the harm can be even more intimate?

"How many more young people must be left vulnerable before this legislation is enacted? The despicable actions of Alexander McCartney, and his ability to continue preying on the most vulnerable, highlight the urgent need to change how we view and respond to catfishing."

She continued: "While the 'Two Johnnies' podcast brought much-needed attention to the issue, it also revealed how easily the darker, more harmful aspects of catfishing can be trivialised or reduced to entertainment.

"Laws shape norms... by recognising catfishing as a crime, we begin to treat it with the seriousness it deserves."

ASSURANCE

Senator O'Loughlin also assured the public that she will reintroduce the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2025.

According to her, the Bill would make catfishing a specific criminal offence, and would empower An Garda Síochána "to investigate and take action when individuals are harmed by online deception".

The Newbridge-based politician elaborated: "It would also provide legal recourse for victims whose identities have been stolen, giving them the right to access data from dating apps or social media platforms that often remain uncooperative unless compelled by a court order.

"At present, victims are frequently left without a means to remove stolen images or discover what has been done in their name.

"This legislation is not just for the young or for those active online, it’s for everyone; t’s about making our legal system fit for the digital age and protecting people from abuse that is every bit as damaging as what happens offline."

She concluded: "We have a duty to ensure the law protects people online as fully as it does offline."

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. File photograph

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If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Samaritans Ireland at jo@samaritans.ie or by ringing 116 123, as well as by visiting pieta.ie (Free 24/7 Crisis helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).

You can also find additional resources at the Rape Crisis Centre at http://drcc.ie.

For resources relating to young people who are concerned about sexual violence, please visit https://www.childline.ie/.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.