Revenge sharing of intimate images after a breakup in Ireland
An intimate image shared during a relationship has been distributed online following the breakup, often with identifying information attached. This pattern is the original target case for state revenge porn statutes and the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act.
IE
jurisdiction
Harassme
primary statute
48 hr
TAKE IT DOWN Act window
Regulator power
enforcement route
Tl;dr
In Ireland, this conduct is prosecuted under Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 (Coco's Law). The civil erasure route runs through GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Data Protection Act 2018 and DPC. Where the host platform is subject to US jurisdiction, the TAKE IT DOWN Act adds a 48 hour platform removal obligation in parallel.
Why this happens
Post breakup distribution typically occurs within the first 90 days after the relationship ends. The distribution is rarely random and often involves coordinated posting across multiple platforms.
Many ex partners attach identifying information including the victim's name, employer, school, or contact details. This identifying context creates additional civil claims beyond the NCII statutes.
Legal framework in Ireland
Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, sections 2 and 3. Section 2 (intent to cause harm): up to 7 years on indictment. Section 3 (without intent to harm): up to 12 months on summary conviction.
Ireland's Coco's Law (named for Nicole Fox Fenlon) created two tiered offences: a serious indictable offence where intent to cause harm is shown, and a summary offence where it is not. Coimisiún na Meán enforces platform compliance under the broader online safety regime.
Evidence to preserve
- Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears, including any attached identifying information
- The full communication history with the ex partner, especially any threats made before the distribution
- The dates of the breakup and the first appearance of the content online
- Any witnesses to the relationship who can attest to the original consent context for the images
Do not: Do not communicate with the ex partner during the active distribution period. Communications can be edited and selectively shared to suggest reconciliation or consent. All communication should be through counsel.
Five step removal process
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1
Preserve all evidence first
Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears, including any attached identifying information. The full communication history with the ex partner, especially any threats made before the distribution.
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2
File the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 (Coco's Law) criminal complaint
Report to local police or the national cybercrime unit. Hotline.ie can assist.
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3
Submit an erasure request under GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Data Protection Act 2018
Each major platform has a designated data protection contact. The request must cite the legal basis and identify the URLs. The platform has 30 days to respond. DPC accepts complaints for non compliance.
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4
Run a biometric scan to find every additional copy
Content posted to one platform is rarely confined to one platform. ScanErase identifies every current hosting location in a single scan, including mirror copies and AI generated variants.
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5
File TAKE IT DOWN Act notices for covered platforms
Use your scan report to file the federal 48 hour notice yourself, in parallel with your domestic rights. The two regimes are cumulative, not exclusive.
Statutory citations to include in your complaint
- Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, sections 2 and 3
- GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Data Protection Act 2018
- US TAKE IT DOWN Act for any covered platform
- State revenge porn statutes which exist in 48 states with criminal penalties
- Civil claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress and statutory damages where state law provides
Frequently asked questions
Is revenge after breakup a crime in Ireland?
Yes. Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, sections 2 and 3 criminalises this conduct. Section 2 (intent to cause harm): up to 7 years on indictment. Section 3 (without intent to harm): up to 12 months on summary conviction.
What evidence should a Ireland victim of revenge after breakup preserve?
Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears, including any attached identifying information. The full communication history with the ex partner, especially any threats made before the distribution. The dates of the breakup and the first appearance of the content online. Any witnesses to the relationship who can attest to the original consent context for the images.
Does GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) apply to this scenario?
Yes. GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Data Protection Act 2018 gives the victim a direct erasure right against any platform processing the imagery. DPC enforces non compliance.
What support is available in Ireland for revenge after breakup?
Hotline.ie provides direct support to victims and can assist with both the criminal complaint and the platform removal process. Contact at https://www.hotline.ie.
Can a Ireland victim also file a US TAKE IT DOWN Act notice?
Yes when the hosting platform is subject to US jurisdiction. The 48 hour federal removal obligation runs in parallel with rights under Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 (Coco's Law) and GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Data Protection Act 2018.
Remove every copy now
One scan. Coordinated removal under Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 (Coco's Law), GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Data Protection Act 2018, and the TAKE IT DOWN Act.
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