In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Karol Nawrocki, a presidential hopeful, made one thing crystal clear: If he becomes President, he will not allow internet censorship in Poland. Nawrocki said, “As a future President, I will never agree to censorship on the internet. If anyone tries to impose it on us, I guarantee that together with the Polish people, we will stand in defence of freedom!” It’s a powerful statement from a candidate who is positioning himself as a protector of free speech, especially in the age of increasing digital control.
A Growing Threat to Free Speech
Nawrocki’s comments come at a time when censorship is being openly discussed as a solution to what some see as “misinformation” online. Just recently, Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf from TVP Info, a controversial TV channel, floated the idea that X should be shut down during election season in Poland. The suggestion was met with a backlash from those who value free speech, seeing it as a dangerous precedent. Censoring online platforms during elections would silence voices and limit the public’s access to diverse political opinions – a slippery slope toward authoritarianism.
The European Union’s Push for More Control
Nawrocki’s warning isn’t just about local threats. It’s also about the broader movement within the European Union to regulate and control social media. In fact, the EU has been pushing for more oversight of platforms like X, particularly when it comes to election periods. Magdalena Biejat, Deputy Speaker of the Senate, has called for discussions in the EU about limiting access to X during such times. This proposal aligns with broader EU efforts to impose stricter controls on what people see and say online.
The European Commission, under Ursula von der Leyen, introduced the so-called “European Shield for Democracy,” an initiative that would give Brussels the power to monitor and censor content. This plan would require social media companies to remove anything deemed “propaganda” or “false information,” a vague and dangerous mandate that could lead to heavy censorship. It’s clear that Brussels wants to control the digital space more, and many see this as a direct attack on free speech.
Poland’s Fight for Freedom
In the face of this growing censorship push, Karol Nawrocki stands firm. He’s made it clear that for Poles, freedom of speech is non-negotiable. “For us Poles, freedom of speech is very important,” Nawrocki said. As a presidential candidate, he is positioning himself as the defender of Polish sovereignty and a protector of the basic right to freely speak and express opinions online. This message resonates strongly with voters who are increasingly concerned about growing government control over digital platforms and the erosion of free expression.
Dla nas Polaków wolność słowa jest bardzo ważna. Jako przyszły Prezydent nigdy nie zgodzę się na cenzurę w sieci. Jeśli ktoś będzie chciał nam ją narzucić to gwarantuję, że wspólnie z Polakami, staniemy w obronie wolności!🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/YzxsWG2AkA
— Karol Nawrocki (@NawrockiKn) January 11, 2025
The Battle for Digital Freedom
The debate over internet censorship is heating up, and it’s shaping up to be a major issue in the upcoming presidential election. Nawrocki’s strong stance is a direct challenge to those who want to control the flow of information online, whether it’s local politicians or the European Union. Online platforms have become central to political campaigns, debates, and public discussion – trying to stifle them is an attack on democracy itself.