New bill proposes to jail cyber bullies

Cyberbullies would face up to 12 months in jail under a crackdown proposed by a senator who has been subjected to a spate of social media abuses.

Fri, 17 Apr, 2015 - 01:00

Shaun Connolly, Political Correspondent

Labour’s Lorraine Higgins has published a bill intended to target trolls who attack people online. Sharing a message that incites someone to take their own life or self harm would be an offence under the proposed legislation.

Ms Higgins has made gardaí aware of two death threats she has received online, and other messages threatening family members. Penalties would also include a fine of up to €5,000. Ms Higgins said service providers needed to do more, and expressed concern that Facebook never replied to her regarding a complaint she made.

“They’ve no difficulty in communicating with Oireachtas members or agencies of this state when they’re seeking to avail of our corporation tax rate but yet when it comes to responsibility or their users they totally shirk that,” Ms Higgins said.

The Galway senator said it was time to take the issue more seriously. “It is necessary in order to keep our online social media platforms a safe and decent place for everyone to discuss ideas and debate. “I am absolutely intent on bringing forward a piece of legislation that will protect people, not just politicians but to protect vulnerable people and children,” she said.

Ms Higgins, who has a legal background, said the nature of offences would mean abuse would be considered case by case. The senator said new media must be held as accountable as traditional outlets when used as a platform for abuse and bullying.

She said party colleague and Communications Minister Alex White was broadly supportive of her Bill as she hopes to win cross-party support.

Ex-minister Pat Rabbitte is also introducing a separate Bill. The former Labour leader’s legislation would make it an offence “to send, or cause to be sent, by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or menacing in character”.