The President Michael D Higgins today signed ‘Coco’s Law’ into force.
The bill, otherwise known as the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill, has been named in honour of Nicole Fox, who died by suicide after suffering online abuse.
This means the sharing of intimate images without consent is now illegal, and if someone is found guilty of the crime they will face an unlimited fine and/or up to seven years imprisonment.
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
Nicole's mother Jackie Fox says the new legislation marks “such a huge legacy for the little person she was.”
Ms Fox has been campaigning for the new law ever since her daughter’s death.
The last months of 2020 were largely dedicated to ensuring the legislation would officially be named after Nicole.
The bill, as signed by the President, includes an Explanatory Memorandum that reads:
'The content of this Bill is strongly influenced by persons who have lost their lives because of online abuse, in particular Nicole Fox.'
'The Bill is in recognition of her mother’s determination to honour the memory of her daughter and to strengthen the law so that others can be safer. As a result, this Bill can be referred to as Coco’s Law.'
