Czech Ministry of Justice investigates SOSP for potential illegal lobbying

The Czech Ministry of Justice has initiated administrative proceedings against the Society for the Defense of Freedom of Expression (SOSP) regarding potential illegal lobbying. The investigation covers the period from July 1, 2025, to March 17, 2026. If the ministry proves that the organization illegally influenced policy, SOSP could face fines amounting to millions of crowns.

Under lobbying regulations effective since July last year, individuals or groups attempting to influence policy must be registered. While SOSP registered in March of this year, citing the need to engage with the upcoming digital economy legislation and the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), the organization had previously faced criticism for participating in legislative consultations without being on the official lobbyist register. SOSP maintains that its public discussions, such as those at seminars and conferences, do not constitute lobbying under the law.