Poland introduces new criminal penalties for online violence and cyberbullying

Poland is introducing new legal measures to combat online violence and cyberbullying, specifically targeting content that humiliates or harms individuals through digital platforms.

New amendments to the Criminal Code include Article 255b, which penalizes the dissemination of violent or humiliating content. Individuals promoting such behavior for financial or personal gain face up to 3 years in prison. If the victim is a minor, the penalty increases to between 3 months and 5 years of imprisonment. Notably, a victim's consent to being humiliated does not exempt the perpetrator from legal responsibility.

Additionally, the Ministry of Justice is working on Article 190a § 1a to address cyberbullying against minors. Unlike existing stalking laws, this new provision does not require proof of persistent harassment or specific harmful consequences to establish a crime. This measure aims to provide more immediate protection against digital harassment and the misuse of deepfakes involving minors.