Updated laws needed to deal with creation of intimate images – Boland

Two new offences are needed in Irish law to address the growing harm caused by digitally fabricated intimate images, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Grace Boland said that these offences would target first, the intentional creation of a fabricated intimate image of a person without consent, and second, the act of requesting or soliciting the creation of such an image.

Deputy Boland said: “These two measures are urgently needed because current Irish law focuses on the recording and distribution of genuine intimate images, but it does not address the increasing use of artificial intelligence and digital editing tools to generate images that falsely appear to depict a person in an intimate state.

“These fabricated images can be used to intimidate, manipulate or cause serious reputational and emotional harm despite having no basis in reality.”

Deputy Boland emphasised that the law must evolve in line with technology so that individuals are properly protected from all forms of intimate image abuse.

“We already have legislation in place to deal with what has occurred in recent weeks. The authorities who are empowered to investigate these alleged offences are equipped with powers, and it is essential that they urgently pursue offenders.

“In the meantime, we as legislators can support, complement and future proof existing laws by strengthening them where needs be, in an environment which is evolving at lightening pace.”

She confirmed her intention to bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that those who without consent, create or request fabricated intimate images are held fully accountable.

Deputy Boland said: “England has already introduced similar provisions in the Data Use and Access Act 2025, which created two new criminal offences: creating a fabricated intimate image of an adult without consent and requesting that such an image be created.

“Introducing similar offences here targets the creation of such AI generated and digitally manipulated sexualised images without consent.

“I note the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General are examining what further legislation to ensure our level framework is robust and I would ask they consider these proposals.”