Critics claim Polish DSA law masks censorship under hate-speech pretext

In a recent commentary, the author contends that the governing coalition's narrative around the Digital Services Act implementation is deceptive, portraying the measure as essential for curbing hate speech while actually enabling pre-emptive internet censorship. He stresses that references to criminal code articles 256 and 257 are nominal, as courts would only issue procedural decisions without substantive oversight. The article recalls President Karol Nawrocki's earlier veto, which he likened to Orwellian control, and describes how the revised bill now separates censorship provisions into a separate act passed by the Sejm.

The vote saw 242 deputies in favour, 61 against and 136 abstentions, with coalition members supporting and opposition parties largely abstaining or opposing. Critics warn that the law could allow agencies like UKE, aided by police, to seize and block online platforms without judicial verdicts.