Concerns over sinister trolling

INTERNET users who engage in

‘sinister’ forms of trolling should face serious consequence, according to a local TD.

Dublin Bay North TD Sean Kenny (Lab) said he was very interested to read that the Justice Secretary in the UK is considering introducing sentences of up to two years for internet trolling.

“I think Ireland should consider whether it is worth bringing in such a law,

? Deputy Kenny told Northside People.

“Internet trolling is a serious problem and can cause huge amounts of mental stress for those who experience it.

?

Deputy Kenny said he wanted

“the darker, more sinister and unpleasant

? sort of trolling dealt with.

“Examples include sending an email threatening someone’s children, or stealing someone’s online identity and setting up accounts in their name on social networking sites in order to impersonate them,

? he explained.

“Another element of this sinister form of trolling that particularly concerns me is the way trolls attack women online, insulting them for airing opinions or for work that they do online, often saying the most horrifying things and threatening them with physical harm.

?

Deputy Kenny believes that trolls who engage in such behaviour are cowards.

“They think hiding behind a screen gives them the power to say and do things that they would not dare to say or do in public because they know they would be stopped, identified and forced to account to the person they are targeting,

? he added.

“There are laws in place in Ireland that deal with malicious behaviour in the physical world, but they do not cater for internet harassment.

“I think it might be time to ensure that there are harsh consequences for the worst offences, which range from being deeply unpleasant, to outright cruelty.

?