Poland's Sejm passes law to block illegal internet content

The Polish Sejm has passed an amendment to the law allowing for the rapid blocking of illegal content and entire domains on the internet. Prepared by the Ministry of Digitalization in alignment with the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), the legislation aims to combat fraud, violence, human trafficking, and illegal materials involving children.

The move follows a series of school attacks and has sparked intense political debate. Supporters, including members of the governing coalition, argue the law provides necessary tools to prevent the spread of dangerous content. However, opposition figures, including representatives from Law and Justice (PiS) and Confederation, have criticized the measure as a potential tool for state-led censorship and an attack on constitutional freedom of speech.

Former Prime Minister Leszek Miller expressed concern that the law allows government officials, rather than courts, to act as the primary controllers of content, potentially blurring the line between protection and the control of public debate. The final implementation of these changes now awaits the decision of President Karol Nawrocki.