Poland to jail streamers of violent crime for up to 5 years

The new provisions classify the broadcasting of crimes punishable by more than five years in prison as a separate offense, carrying the same maximum penalty. The law also extends to individuals who simulate or falsely portray the commission of such crimes while live-streaming.

This move is part of a wider strategy by Poland to enhance its regulation of online content. Recent measures include a ban on mobile phone use for children under 16 in schools and stricter age verification for accessing pornography.

The European Union has its own framework for regulating illegal content and live-streamed crimes via the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates platforms to promptly remove material promoting violence or severe harm. However, the responsibility for holding content creators accountable remains a matter for individual member states.