Copyright belfastlive
Justice Minister Naomi Long has set out the current laws in Northern Ireland when it comes to online catfishing. The term “catfishing” refers to the creation of a fake identity to communicate with others, typically online. It is often done with the intention to deceive or mislead the individual into a romantic or sexual relationship, to extort money, or commit fraud. Responding to a written question from the SDLP 's Cara Hunter, Naomi Long set out the legal implications of catfishing in Northern Ireland. "The creation of a fake identity in and of itself is not a criminal offence. However, where such an identity has been created with particular intentions, then the behaviour may be captured by existing offences and the relevant sanctions which apply," she said. "Where the act of catfishing involves sexual motivation, there is already a comprehensive and robust framework of law on sexual offences in place in Northern Ireland which, for the main part, is included in the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008. "The offences apply equally to both online as well as offline behaviours. I strengthened the offences of the 2008 Order via the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 to provide a further range of protections from sexual harm. Amongst others, this included four new offences of an adult pretending to be a child for the purposes of child grooming, which are unique offences to this jurisdiction. The Minister added that in the Protection from Stalking Act (NI) 2022, although catfishing behaviour is not specifically mentioned, if the intention is proven of causing a person to suffer fear, alarm or substantial distress (in the section 1 stalking offence); or there was an intention by the behaviour to cause fear or alarm, or recklessness as to whether the behaviour causes fear or alarm (in the section 2 threatening or abusive behaviour offence), then these offences could be made out in court. "As above, both offences apply equally to both online as well as offline behaviours. On the wider matter of malicious communications, telecommunications and internet legislation are reserved matters and therefore the responsibility of the UK Government ," she continued. "The Online Safety Act 2023 introduced new UK-wide laws that protect both children and adults from online harm. It created new communication offences including a false communications offence and a threatening communications offence. "In addition, the cross Executive Online Safety Strategy has been put in place to assist children and young people to participate in the online world in a positive, safe and responsible way. This includes a particular focus on prevention and education to help tackle online abuse." For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.
