Actor Barry Keoghan has revealed that online abuse targeting his appearance has affected his mental health and led him to withdraw from public life.
While criticism of public figures is often seen as part of modern celebrity culture, his experience raises a more pressing legal question with real-world consequences: when does online commentary cross the line from opinion into unlawful behaviour?
Although Keoghan’s situation did not arise within a UK legal context, it highlights issues that are becoming increasingly relevant under UK cyberbullying and online safety laws.
What Happened: Barry Keoghan’s Experience with Online Abuse
Recent interviews suggest that Keoghan has faced sustained online abuse centred on his appearance, with the cumulative effect impacting both his confidence and willingness to engage publicly.
He has indicated that the volume and tone of commentary led him to step back from events and reduce his online presence.
He also raised concerns about the long-term impact of such behaviour, including the possibility of his young son encountering harmful commentary in the future.
More broadly, his experience reflects a growing issue for public figures, where persistent online criticism can move beyond opinion into conduct that may cause genuine harm.
When Does Online Abuse Become Illegal Under UK Law?
UK law makes a clear distinction between lawful expression and unlawful conduct, shaped by evolving online harassment laws in the UK. That protection, however, is not unlimited.
UK law does not recognise a standalone offence of cyberbullying, instead relying on existing legislation such as harassment and communications offences, as reflected in ongoing discussions around cyberbullying laws in the UK.
Online behaviour can become unlawful if it amounts to harassment or abusive communications, particularly in cases involving defamation and cyberbullying in the digital age.
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 prohibits a course of conduct that causes alarm or distress, while the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and Communications Act 2003 address messages that are grossly offensive, threatening, or intended to cause harm.
In practice, the legal threshold often depends on repetition, intent, and impact. A single comment is unlikely to qualify. Repeated, targeted behaviour that causes distress is far more likely to cross the line.
Courts have increasingly applied these laws to online conduct, reflecting growing recognition of the harm caused through digital platforms.
Platform Responsibility and Legal Risk
Scrutiny is no longer limited to individual users, with growing debate around platform accountability for online abuse.
Increasingly, attention is turning to the platforms that host and distribute harmful content—and the role they play in allowing it to spread.
Under the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023, platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X are required to assess risks and take proportionate steps to reduce exposure to harmful material.
In practice, this means improving moderation systems, responding more effectively to complaints, and demonstrating that clear safeguards are in place. The regime is overseen by Ofcom, which is responsible for enforcement and regulatory guidance.
While platforms are not automatically liable for user-generated content, expectations are shifting. It is no longer enough to rely on reactive moderation.
Companies are increasingly expected to identify patterns of harmful behaviour and act before damage escalates—particularly where the impact on individuals is clear.
Cases like Keoghan’s highlight the growing role of mental health in assessing online harm, alongside the increasing legal recognition of emotional harm from online abuse. Where distress is significant and foreseeable, the argument for intervention becomes stronger.
For platforms, this creates additional exposure: the more visible harmful patterns become, the harder it is to argue that action was not reasonably possible.
For businesses operating online communities, the direction is clear. Regulators expect proactive measures, consistent enforcement, and effective reporting systems.
Falling short may not only attract regulatory scrutiny but also lead to reputational damage and legal risk. At the same time, wider legal challenges are emerging around how online speech is regulated, particularly where standards are unclear or applied inconsistently.
The Evolving Legal Boundaries of Online Abuse
Keoghan’s experience reflects a broader shift in how online behaviour is being treated by regulators and the courts.
There is growing emphasis on accountability, with clearer scrutiny of where lawful expression ends and harmful conduct begins.
High-profile cases involving public figures are likely to continue shaping how these boundaries are applied in practice.
Online criticism remains a lawful and protected form of expression. However, the line between opinion and harassment is becoming more clearly defined and more closely enforced.
Keoghan’s experience serves as a reminder that online abuse is no longer just a cultural issue, but an increasingly significant legal one.
People Also Ask
Is online abuse illegal in the UK?
Online abuse can be illegal if it amounts to harassment or includes threatening or grossly offensive communications under UK law.
When does online abuse become harassment?
Online abuse may be considered harassment when it involves repeated behaviour that causes alarm or distress, rather than a one-off comment.
Can you take legal action for cyberbullying in the UK?
Yes, legal action may be possible under laws such as the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 or the Malicious Communications Act 1988, depending on the nature of the conduct.
Which laws apply to cyberbullying in the UK?
Key legislation includes the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Malicious Communications Act 1988, and Communications Act 2003.
Can social media platforms be held responsible for online abuse?
Under the Online Safety Act 2023, platforms must take reasonable steps to reduce harmful content, although they are not automatically liable for user posts.