The work on the fresh net regulations is creating increasing controversy in Poland. The Ministry of Digital Affairs, under the pretext of implementing EU directives, prepares government that could importantly affect freedom of expression on the network. In particular, the Digital Services Regulation (DSA), whose implementation in Poland is the subject of hot debates.
We would like to remind you that the UKE, which according to the plans is to receive the censor's powers, does not have the statutory powers of a court which is the only right to issue specified a ruling. The planned changes will so violate the constitutional right to court. It is worth noting here that the president of UKE will conduct administrative proceedings in this case without the participation of the organization concerned, resulting in a breach of Article 10(1) of the Code. We remind you that the alleged preventive censorship that we may face in the event of implementation of the demands of the Tusk government is legally prohibited in Article 54 of the Constitution.
Unlimited scrutiny of the president of UKE
One of the most controversial provisions of the draft law is the proposal to grant the president of the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) almost unlimited powers in the field of content control on the Internet. The provisions supply for the anticipation of blocking certain content for a period of 2 to 21 days.
Mr Sosnier, a Confederate politician, is critical of these changes. In an interview with Radio WNET, he recalled his earlier warnings on the possible impact of EU regulation implementation. "I warned myself, at 1 time, that implementation of these EU directives would end this way with us. Even the parliamentary squad gathering on this subject was organised..." he noted.
Will the net become a box for censorship?
According to Sosnirz, the introduction of specified regulations will open the way to excessive government interference in digital space. "Letting the state, the government regulate the Internet, is letting a fox into a henhouse. It is known that these people will sooner or later effort to restrict freedom of speech and will censor what is uncomfortable for them," he explained.
Pessimism Against Protests
The politician besides shared his opinion on possible social protests against fresh regulations. Sosnier reminded that in the past Poles seldom engaged in defending freedom of speech, but for loud protests against ACTA in 2012.
"As far as protests are concerned, unfortunately, we have a tradition of not protesting erstwhile something crucial happens and expanding erstwhile things are insignificant. I do not know if this will be the case in this case, possibly we will effort to encourage, but so far all these protests related to the threat of freedom of speech have not come out..." he pointed out.
Sosnier pointed out the deficiency of respect for Poles for freedom, which, in his opinion, leads to its gradual reduction. "Many times erstwhile bad things were happening, limiting freedom of expression, someway it did not affect Poles. And this is the problem that Poles do not respect their freedom, which is why they have little and little freedom," he concluded.
What's next with the regulations?
Work on the bill is ongoing and the Ministry of Digitisation argues that changes are essential to implement EU regulations. Critics, however, fear that fresh regulations may become a tool for limiting freedom of expression in Poland.
In view of increasing tensions, it is worth following developments and engaging in public debate to guarantee a balance between digital safety and respect for civilian rights.
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Big fan about Tusk's censorship plans
