MEPs call for EU-wide “Coco’s Law” against cyberbullying

MEPs call for EU-wide “Coco’s Law” against cyberbullying

MEPs Seán Kelly, Regina Doherty, Maria Walsh and Nina Carberry are jointly calling for the introduction of an EU-wide ‘Coco’s Law’, inspired by the Irish law against online harassment and image-based abuse, alongside their EPP Grouping in the European Parliament. The Parliament will vote on a Resolution this Thursday urging the European Commission to propose the new legislation to criminalise online bullying across the bloc. 

“Cyberbullying and online harassment is at epidemic levels across the EU, often resulting in very tragic results for young people. This behaviour would not be tolerated offline, so it should be a crime online too. The EPP Group, of which Fine Gael is a Member of, has met with Jackie Fox many times, the mother of the late Nicole ‘Coco’ Fox. Nicole tragically died by suicide in 2018, after suffering years of online and offline bullying. Jackie courageously campaigned for and achieved ‘Coco’s Law’ in Ireland. We are asking the EU to close the gaps in national legislation and replicate ‘Coco’s Law’ across all 27 Member States”, said Seán Kelly MEP.

The Resolution asks the Commission to examine whether image or video-based abuse, including the non-consensual dissemination of intimate material, should be recognised as a particularly serious crime with a cross-border dimension at EU level.

“An EU-wide law against cyberbullying, in memory of the late Nicole ‘Coco’ Fox, would be a vital step forward for justice for victims and for law and order in today’s digital world. Coco’s Law has already delivered some 240 criminal prosecutions in Ireland since it was enacted. If we can do it in Ireland, we can deliver the same results for the entire Union. We urge MEPs from across all political groups to support this call. In the age of AI-generated videos and images, it is extremely important that we act fast”, Regina Doherty MEP said ahead of Thursday’s vote.

“We have consistently said there must be zero tolerance for violence and harassment online and collectively, we are demanding change to ensure that online platforms take greater responsibility. We also call on the Commission to step up its enforcement of the Digital Services Act to better protect minors and safeguard mental well-being. Victims of cyberbullying, in particular minors, must have access to effective remedies, including rapid content removal and appropriate psychological support”, said Maria Walsh MEP.

This initiative will be a welcome development for parents and young people themselves, according to Nina Carberry MEP: “Parents are extremely worried about the risks of cyberbullying and want us, as lawmakers, to take more action to stop it. Education is an essential part of empowering young people, but we can do more. We need more coordinated national strategies right across the EU including digital literacy, education and awareness-raising initiatives targeting children, parents and educators. Uniform laws against online abuse will make it clearer and safer for everyone.”

The MEPs say the Commission should act on the Parliament’s call, if adopted this week, within the next few months, given the urgency of the situation.