Renewed Calls From Senator Fiona O'Loughlin For Passage Of Catfish Bill That Would Make Catfishing A Standalone Criminal Offence

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 08:16

By Hannah Kelly

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

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has renewed her call for the swift passage of her Bill that would make catfishing a standalone criminal offence.

Her appeal follows revelations that prolific Northern Irish sex offender Alexander McCartney continued to offend and catfish while 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.

The Bill would make catfishing a specific criminal offence, empowering An Garda Síochána to investigate and take action when individuals are harmed by online deception.

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.

Senator O'Loughlin says it's time to put those victims first:

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