In 2020 the President of Ireland signed into law a Bill criminalising the sharing of intimate images without the subject’s consent. Since February 9, 2021, these laws have been in place and enforced in Ireland. Here is everything you need to know about this law so that you can inform and educate your children.
What is the legislation?
The legislation states that if you record, distribute or publish intimate images without the permission of the person featured in the images, you are guilty of an offence. Depending on your intent in sharing the images, you can face a maximum prison sentence of up to 7 years. Additional protections are also in place to protect the victim should they be identified and embarrassed or further harmed by the situation. Any prosecution of a child under 17 years of age under the Act can only be brought with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. An intimate image is and video or photograph that contains:
  • A person’s genitals, buttocks or anal region (and, in the case of women, their breasts)
  • The underwear covering these parts of the body
  • A naked person
  • A person engaged in any form of sexual activity
Source: Citizens Information
How can you violate this legislation?
There are two criminal offences associated with the sharing of intimate images without consent. Intent to Cause Harm: This is when a person shares an intimate image without consent with the intent of harming a person. The sharer will intentionally share intimate images with the goal of embarrassing or harming a person. You can be sentenced to a maximum of 7 years in prison for this offence. No Specific Intent to Cause Harm: This is when you distribute or publish an intimate image without consent but with no specific intent to cause harm to a person. This offence is often associated with the sharing of images of people you do not know. And remember, you do not have to be the person that recorded the person or took the photo to be prosecuted for this offence. If you republish an image without the permission of the subject, you can be sentenced to a maximum of 12 months in prison.    
Why do you, as a parent, need to know about this?
You may be thinking, this is a bit heavy for your child. Perhaps you think they are too young for you to have to worry about this kind of thing. Or perhaps you don’t believe your teenager would never share intimate images of anyone. While that might be true it is always important to educate yourself and your children on these matters. Parents need to know what their kids are doing, because it is an offence for a child to share such a picture Education is empowerment. Without being aware of the issue and having all the information an informed decision cannot be made. The internet and in particular, social media, is an amazing place where we create connections through our sharing of knowledge, information, memories and more. According to a report by Backlinko in 2021, 4.48 billion people worldwide use social media. That is 56.8% of the worlds population! Of course, you don’t need me to tell you how prevalent social media and the sharing of content is in our society. All you need to do is to look at the younger generation and you will rarely see them without a phone in their hands. While sharing images and videos online can be a great way to connect and share experiences with friends, it is also important to remember that what is shared online is very real and can have significant consequences. As children grow, their level of maturity and ability to understand and recognise potential consequences grow with them. With more and more younger people accessing social media and sharing content online, it is more important than ever to talk to them about the negative impact of sharing explicit content online without consent. Being aware and open with your children about how they use the internet is so important. Here are some tips on how you can bring up the subject with your teenager.
How to talk to your teenager about sharing images online
  1. Share the facts in a casual setting – Sometimes bringing up serious issues with teenagers can feel like a judgement or an acquisition. By bringing the subject up in a more casual setting such as over dinner, you can relieve those feelings and create an environment for open non-judgemental discussion. Rather than telling your teenager you want to talk to them about something serious, simply say in a casual setting, ‘I was reading about this new legislation today about sharing intimate images online and thought it was really interesting…’
  2. Have tangible examples ready to share – Describing legislation and consequences can be quick dry and hard to relate to. Having some simple, relatable examples to support and better explain the law can really help your teen understand the situation. For example, rather than just saying ‘It is a criminal offence to republish intimate images’, you could say ‘You don’t have to be the one that took the image or video. Even if you are sent an image by a friend and you send it to another friend, that counts as republishing and can be very serious.’
  3. Engage them with open ended questions – Instead of asking direct, sometimes uncomfortable questions, try asking more open-ended questions that encourage your child to think about their opinions and share them. For example, instead of asking ‘Have you or your friends ever shared an intimate photo without consent?’, try asking ‘How would you feel if someone took a photo of a friend and shared it?’ Don’t forget to share your thoughts and feelings too!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the law around Sharing Images Online in Ireland?

Since February 9, 2021, it has been a criminal offence in Ireland to record, share, distribute, or publish intimate images of a person without their consent. Depending on the circumstances, a person can face serious penalties, including imprisonment.

What counts as an intimate image under the law?

When it comes to Sharing Images Online, an intimate image includes:

  • A person’s genitals, buttocks, anal region, or (in the case of women) breasts

  • Underwear covering these body parts

  • A naked person

  • A person engaged in sexual activity

These protections apply to both photos and videos.

What are the penalties for sharing intimate images without consent?

There are two main offences:

  • Intent to cause harm: Sharing an intimate image to embarrass or harm someone can result in a prison sentence of up to 7 years.

  • No specific intent to cause harm: Even sharing an image without intending harm can result in up to 12 months in prison.

Can a child be prosecuted for Sharing Images Online?

Yes. It is an offence for a child to share intimate images without consent. However, any prosecution of a child under 17 requires the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

What if my child didn’t take the photo but shared it?

You do not need to be the original sender to break the law. Republishing or forwarding an intimate image without consent is also considered an offence under legislation relating to Sharing Images Online.

Why do parents need to know about this law?

Many parents assume their child is too young or would never engage in this behaviour. However, education is empowerment. Understanding the risks and legal consequences helps families make informed decisions and avoid serious mistakes.

Why is Sharing Images Online such a serious issue?

Once an image is shared online, it can spread quickly and widely. The emotional harm to the victim can be severe, and the legal consequences for the person sharing the image can be life-changing.

How can parents start a conversation about Sharing Images Online?

Bring the topic up casually, perhaps by mentioning a news story or the legislation itself. Avoid creating a sense of accusation. A calm, open approach encourages honest discussion.

How can I explain the law to my teenager in a relatable way?

Use simple, real-life examples. For example: “Even if a friend sends you a photo and you forward it to someone else, that counts as republishing and could be a criminal offence.” Practical examples make the law easier to understand.

What questions should parents ask teenagers about sharing images?

Instead of direct or accusatory questions, try open-ended ones like:

  • “How would you feel if someone shared your photo without asking?”

  • “Why do you think consent matters when sharing pictures?”

These questions encourage reflection and discussion.

What should a young person do if they receive an intimate image?

They should:

  • Avoid forwarding or saving the image

  • Delete it immediately

  • Speak to a trusted adult if they feel unsure or uncomfortable

Forwarding the image, even as a joke, can have serious consequences.

Is Sharing Images Online always illegal?

Sharing everyday photos with consent is not illegal. The offence relates specifically to intimate images shared without consent. Consent is the key factor.

What is the key message for families?

The internet is a powerful tool for connection and communication, but what is shared online has real-world consequences. Open conversations about Sharing Images Online help protect both your child and others.

     

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