People in Ireland who are caught circulating images of children who are involved in court cases could face jail time.
Gardai have issued a warning over the sharing of pictures which may expose the anonymity of a child, which is protected under law.
Anyone convicted of breaching the Children Act 2001, by sharing or publishing images of children who appeared before the criminal courts, could face up to 12 months in prison and a €1,500 fine.
A statement said: "An Garda Síochána would like to remind members of the public in relation to the anonymity of a child in court proceedings and the sharing of images of children who have appeared before the Criminal Courts and the legislation pertaining to same.
"In particular to be mindful of the Children Act 2001 which covers children and the Criminal Justice System, section 252 (1) (b): 'No picture which purports to be or include a picture of the child or which is likely to lead to his or her identification, shall be published or included in a broadcast.'
"Any person who is in contravention of the legislation shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable — (i) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, or (ii) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or both."
