It appears that censorship on social media, a topic increasingly debated in the public sphere, is insufficient for some. Dr. Katarzyna Bąkowicz, a member of the governmental commission investigating Russian influence, led by Jarosław Stróżyk, has taken a step further. “In Germany, for publishing a comment on social media, for example, if it constitutes hate speech, a lie, or disinformation, a person can be fired,” Bąkowicz stated confidently.
Censorship in the Digital Space
In recent days, the topic of “censorship” has dominated media headlines. The debate over limiting freedom of speech on social media platforms intensified when a controversial statement aired on the illegal TVP Info. A staff member proposed shutting down the social media platform X in Poland during the presidential campaign.
This remark triggered a wave of reactions online, with numerous users condemning such authoritarian tendencies. Many stressed that freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Digital Affairs has proposed amendments to the Act on the Provision of Electronic Services to align with the EU Digital Services Act (DSA). The draft introduces a procedure allowing the President of the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) to decide whether to block illegal online content without involving the courts or informing the content creators. According to the proposal, the UKE president would issue decisions in a process lasting 2 to 21 days. Experts, cited by Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, which first reported the issue, warn that such measures could threaten freedom of speech.
The National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) has firmly opposed any measures restricting free speech in Poland.
Is That Still Not Enough?
Unsurprisingly, the topic surfaces in nearly every media discussion. It was also raised during a Polsat News broadcast, featuring Dr. Katarzyna Bąkowicz as a guest.
Who is Bąkowicz?
Bąkowicz, a media scholar from SWPS University, was appointed in 2024 to the governmental commission investigating Russian influence, upon the recommendation of Finance Minister Andrzej Domański. Members of Stróżyka’s commission are publicly funded, earning the equivalent of a secretary of state’s salary in the government administration, approximately PLN 12,500 gross per month (excluding additional functional allowances).
When asked about online censorship, Bąkowicz suggested Poland could follow Germany’s example, where individuals may be dismissed from their jobs for social media comments.
“The problem lies in responsibility and awareness. Let me provide an example. In Germany, if someone posts a comment on social media that constitutes hate speech, falsehoods, or disinformation, they can lose their job,” she explained during the Polsat News discussion.
“There Are Always Victims…”
Bąkowicz expanded on her idea:
“Germany has bureaucratized everything, and this too has been bureaucratized. Unfortunately, during my work as a UN expert, I proposed implementing a similar system in Polish businesses. Not a single company decided to adopt it,” she noted.
When asked why companies rejected the idea, Bąkowicz responded:
“Because they are afraid. They fear accusations of censorship. They worry that people will refuse to work for them. Still, let’s remember one thing: if an employee, say Mr. Kowalski, signs his social media profile with the name of the company he works for, whatever he posts partially reflects on the company.”
In Bąkowicz’s view, the term “censorship” is often misused.
“If companies dared to take this step, it could be a starting point. We don’t need grandiose institutions or Ministries of Truth. We simply need to utilize the legal tools already at our disposal. […] There will always be victims unfairly judged.”
This proposal, linking workplace accountability to online behavior, raises serious questions about the balance between protecting freedom of speech and addressing the spread of harmful content. While proponents argue for responsible online discourse, critics fear the slippery slope toward authoritarian control.