A Senator has re-introduced proposed laws aimed at making "catfishing" a criminal offence.
Its expected to be amended in the Seanad before the summer, but it would have to pass the various stages before actually becoming law.
The legislation would cover the practice of using a phone or computer to impersonate another person without their consent, interfering with their peace, privacy or day-to-day life.
Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin says it would give Gardai the power to act on this "very serious crime."
"Sometimes we can tend to trivialise it because it has become the subject of podcasts, of gossip columns," she said.
"But that doesn't really show the huge impact that it can have, and it impacts both psychologically emotionally and of course financially."
"Always a violation"
Seantor O'Loughlin says the laws, if they're passed, will give Gardaí power to make direct data requests to platforms to investigate reports.
The Kildare politician added, its about sending a message.
"Catfishing is not a joke. It’s not just awkward online dating gone wrong. It is deception, often deliberate and manipulative, and in many cases, deeply damaging."
"Whether it’s a teenager targeted for exploitation, a grandparent conned out of their savings, or a young woman whose face is used to lure others—it’s always a violation."
