Polish government threatens to block social media platforms over safety failures

Polish government officials have signaled a more aggressive stance toward social media platforms regarding digital safety and illegal content. During the Cyber24 Days conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski stated that the state is prepared to use extreme measures, including shutting down platforms like Facebook, X, and Meta, if they systematically fail to address illegal content.

Gawkowski emphasized that financial penalties have proven insufficient for major tech corporations. The government's focus is on protecting minors from the rapid increase in harmful content, including AI-generated sexual exploitation of children, which data from WeProtect suggests is rising by up to 1300 percent annually. The minister warned that platforms facilitating the distribution of illegal material in Poland could lose their right to operate.

In a separate matter regarding online safety, the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime has addressed reports of a viral internet challenge. Police have stated there is currently no evidence to confirm the existence of such a challenge and have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic. Authorities noted that individuals intentionally spreading false information to incite fear may face legal consequences.