Online Naming and Shaming in Ireland May Lead to Legal Consequences

As local Facebook and WhatsApp community groups grow in popularity across Ireland, so too does a controversial trend—publicly naming and shaming individuals accused of wrongdoing or antisocial behaviour. While some group members believe this is a form of civic responsibility, legal experts warn that public shaming can carry serious legal risks.

Whether it’s accusations of theft, vandalism, or general bad behaviour, publishing someone’s name or image in a community forum without proof may breach Irish law, even if the person posting believes their intentions are good.

Defamation Law in Ireland

Under Ireland’s Defamation Act 2009, it is unlawful to make or share false statements that harm someone’s reputation.

• Defamation occurs when a statement injures a person’s reputation in the eyes of a reasonable person.
• The post must be shared with others, and if it’s false, it may lead to civil action for damages.
• Truth is a defence, but the burden of proof lies with the person making the claim.

Posting in a community group that someone is a thief, for example, without solid legal evidence, can expose the poster to a defamation lawsuit.

Harassment and Online Abuse

Under Coco’s Law—officially the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020—it is a criminal offence to intentionally cause serious harm or alarm to someone through digital means.

This includes:

• Persistent targeting of an individual
• Sharing private or distressing information
• Intentionally embarrassing or humiliating someone

Naming someone online in a derogatory context, particularly without proof, may constitute harassment and could lead to a criminal conviction.

Data Protection and Privacy

Ireland’s Data Protection Act 2018, aligned with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), protects personal information. Posting someone’s name, photo, address, or other identifying details without consent—especially in a defamatory or shaming context—could violate data protection law.

This is particularly serious when photos or names are shared in relation to alleged crimes or antisocial behaviour, often without any involvement from Gardaí.

Admins and Moderators May Be Liable

Those who run community groups or moderate online forums could also be held responsible for defamatory or harmful content if:

• They fail to remove unlawful content after being notified
• They encourage or facilitate harmful discussions
• They are seen to be endorsing or allowing repeated targeting of individuals

Group administrators should moderate with caution and avoid allowing posts that identify or accuse specific people, even if other members are calling for it.

What’s Considered Acceptable?

• Discussing general safety concerns in your area
• Warning neighbours about types of scams or behaviour
• Reporting directly to An Garda Síochána rather than taking matters into your own hands
• Avoiding names, photos, and unverified accusations

What Crosses the Line?

• Posting names or images of people accused of crime or misconduct
• Sharing allegations without Garda involvement or legal proof
• Encouraging others to confront, harass, or shame someone
• Reposting screenshots or personal data from private profiles

What Should You Do Instead?

If you witness a crime or serious antisocial behaviour:

• Report it to An Garda Síochána
• Use community group chats to alert others in general terms (e.g. “Keep an eye out—reports of car break-ins in the area”)
• Avoid naming or describing individuals unless officially confirmed by authorities

Final Word

While community vigilance is important, so is the law and the right to a fair process. Ireland’s legal framework protects individuals from false accusations, online harassment, and misuse of personal data. Naming and shaming people in local forums may feel like taking action, but it could land you—or your group—in serious legal trouble.

The safest course? Report suspicious activity to Gardaí and let the law do its job.

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