COCO’S LAW... ‘FOR EVERY EU COUNTRY’
Brave mum who fought for cyber abuse protection hails roll-out bid
THE heartbroken mother who lobbied for new laws against cyber bullying after her daughter’s suicide has confirmed plans to introduce Coco’s Law across the EU.
Brave Jackie Fox started a campaign after 21-year-old Nicole Fox – known as Coco – took her own life after three years of relentless abuse on social media.
Despite reporting the bullying, Jackie was told by gardai there was nothing they could do as no law was broken.
Now Coco’s Law, or The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, looks set to be rolled out across Europe following its incredible success.
A proud Jackie, originally from Tallaght but now living in Wexford, was awarded the honorary freedom of South Dublin County on Friday for her tireless work.
She told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “It’s early days yet but a production company came over to film me for a documentary for the
European Parliament in Brussels. They want to bring Coco’s Law into every European country. I don’t know how it’s going to work or how long it’s going to take but that’s what they want. “I can’t even comprehend how I would feel if that happened. “They have done their homework and looked into it. It definitely seems to be on the cards.” Nicole Fox
Fenlon died in January 2018 after suffering persistent online abuse since the age of 18.
The bullying had continued even after shy Nicole, affectionately known as Coco, unsuccessfully tried to take her own life in 2016.
Jackie said: “Poor Nicole never liked any attention or drama but I know she’s proud of me and I will always make her proud.
“I want everyone to know about Nicole and who she is.”
Jackie received recognition from the
Mayor of South Dublin, Peter Kavanagh, on Friday.
She said she strongly believes Nicole was with her on the night which was a “rollercoaster of emotions”.
She added: “All my family and friends were there who supported me all along the way and they made it very special.
“It was also my birthday and I haven’t celebrated it since Nicole died either, I have just let it pass, so they made it for my birthday.
“At the end, we released purple balloons for Nicole to make it her night as well.”
To date, the Garda have commenced 28 prosecutions concerning the new law criminalising online harrassment, which includes the sharing of intimate images online without the subject’s consent. Jackie said: “There are 28 people now up for prosecution under Coco’s Law and that’s just the start.
“It gives me a huge sense of pride for Nicole, this is her law, her legacy, that’s the way I look at it.
“She’s done this but obviously I would take it all back if I could have Nicole back.”
They’ve done their homework & looked into it, it definitely seems to be on the cards JACKIE FOX ON THE NEW LAW YESTERDAY