Back in 2012, millions of young people, regardless of their political views, took to the streets to fight against ACTA. They won that battle, forcing the PO-PSL government to retreat. But now, their successors are pushing even more dangerous regulations that could silence free speech online.
The DSA: A Censorship Tool in Disguise
The new laws implementing the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) give the President of the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) massive power. This means that if they decide to block content online, the only way to appeal is through an administrative court—a process that could take years! Imagine losing your YouTube channel and waiting indefinitely for justice. Sounds fair?
Protesters Sound the Alarm
“Hands up! Welcome to the country of censorship!” chanted protesters in Poznań. And they’re right to be worried. Tech media like Niebezpiecznik.pl warn that the Ministry of Digital Affairs is pushing rules that allow them to block content under vague terms like ‘violating personal rights’—all without a court’s approval! Even worse, decisions could be made in as little as two days.
Left and Right Agree: This Is Dangerous
Gawkowski’s plan to control the internet is sparking outrage across the political spectrum. The Panoptykon Foundation warns that this law is a direct attack on free speech, while the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) highlights how dangerously political the implementation of DSA has become. And Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, isn’t even hiding his true intentions—he openly talks about shutting down TV Republika, saying, “We should be talking about revoking its license.”
What’s Next? Banning X?
It doesn’t stop with YouTube. Magdalena Biejat, the Left’s presidential candidate, is even considering blocking the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in Poland.
“I would consider it, and I encourage others to do so (…) I know because I spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Gawkowski, our Minister of Digital Affairs, that such discussions are already taking place,”
she admitted.
Even the U.S. Is Worried
This isn’t just a Polish problem. Even the United States is taking notice.
“It’s madness to support a military alliance if that alliance won’t support freedom of speech,”
Vice President J.D. Vance recently warned.