Harassment can take many different forms - in person, or posted and spread online.
Ireland’s Online Safety and Media Regulation expanded the scope of existing criminal legislation to include creation, dissemination, and harassment in an online setting - meaning it is now illegal to harass people online as well as in person.
Details
Accounts that primarily exist to publish videos of violence, hate speech, or intimidation
How to report
Report to relevant platform
Legislation to reference
(Online) Article 18 of Digital Services Act (DSA)
Section 10.1c) Online Safety Code
(Offline) Section 2(1) in the Prohibition of Incitement of Hatred Act of 1989
Details
Some accounts may not be recording themselves harassing others, but may promote and disseminate hateful and harassing content at a significant rate.
How to report
Report to relevant platform
Legislation to reference
(Online) Section 10.1(b) Online Safety Code
Section 46 of Online Safety and Media Regulation 2022 outlines ‘harmful’ content
(Offline) Section 3 of the Prohibition of Incitement of Hatred Act of 1989
Details
Additional obligations for platforms as well as individuals apply to protect child welfare and any privacy infringements
How to report
Report to the relevant platform
Legislation to reference
(Online) Article 18 of Digital Services Act (DSA)
Section 10.6 Online Safety Code
Section 46 of Online Safety and Media Regulation 2022 includes online content
(Offline) Section 51 of Children Act 2001
Details
Display and public distribution of obscene content (in the form of writing, a sign, or other visible representation)
How to report
Legislation to reference
Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994
Details
Trespassing in government buildings or private property (applies to individuals and groups)
How to report
Legislation to reference
Article 18 of Digital Services Act (DSA)
Section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994
Details
Someone knowingly makes a false report or statement that an offence has been committed, causing fear or apprehension for the safety of persons or property
How to report
Legislation to reference
Section 12(a) of the Criminal Law Act 1976
Details
Call 999 if in imminent danger
Evidence that someone has committed, may be committing, or is likely to commit a criminal offence involving a threat to life or safety is posted online
Providers of hosting services must inform competent law enforcement authorities without delay
How to report
Report to the platform
Legislation to reference
(Online) Article 18 Digital Services Act (DSA)
(Offline) Section 5, Non Fatal Offences against the State Act
Details
Call 999 if you or someone near you is in imminent danger
Reports to the Garda can be made regarding online and offline harassment and threats
How to report
Legislation to reference
(Online) Section 4, Harassment Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020
Non Fatal Offences against the State Act - Section 10,10A and 5
Details
A victim of a crime can exercise their right to be kept informed about any complaint made to An Garda Síochána. A request can be made in person or in writing.
How to report
Legislation to reference
Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 – Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10
Details
Rioting involving a group of twelve or more individuals in public or private spaces using or threatening unlawful violence
How to report
Report to the platform
Legislation to reference
(Online) Article 18 of Digital Services Act (DSA)
(Offline) Section 14 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994
Details
Violent disorder involving a group of three or more individuals in public or private spaces using or threatening unlawful violence
How to report
Report to the platform
Legislation to reference
(Online) Article 18 of Digital Services Act (DSA)
(Offline) Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994