Ireland: Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026 was introduced in the lower house of Irish Parliament

On 27 January 2026, the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026 (Bill 8 of 2026) was introduced in the lower house of the Irish Parliament. The Bill amends the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. It introduces a statutory definition of “generate” covering the creation of images, documents, or videos through artificial intelligence, including generative artificial intelligence, or any other means. It replaces the definition of “intimate image” to include visual representations created by photographic, film, video, artificial intelligence, or digital means. It amends Section 3 to prohibit the recording, distribution, publication, or generation of an intimate image without consent and sets penalties of a class A fine or imprisonment up to twelve months on summary conviction or up to five years on indictment. It aligns penalties under Section 4 and extends the limitation period for summary proceedings under Section 7 from two years to five years. The Bill provides for commencement by ministerial order.