Poland's President Rejects Bill on Rapid Blocking of Illegal Content for Second Time

Polish President Karol Nawrocki refused to sign the bill aimed at accelerating the removal of illegal materials from the internet for the second time on 13 November. This is the government's second attempt to pass this provision after the head of state's initial refusal in January 2026.

Arguments against: risk of censorship

According to Nawrocki, the proposed mechanism grants state officials overly broad powers. The President is convinced that decisions on the illegality of publications should be made exclusively by an independent court, not an administrative body. He also warned that the new rules could become an instrument for restricting freedom of speech.

The document provided for the possibility of obliging internet platforms to block publications that violate Polish legislation. It concerned internet fraud, threats, incitement to hatred, theft of personal data, and materials related to the sexual exploitation of children.

Government position: protecting citizens

The government does not share the President's concerns. Digitalisation Minister Krzysztof Gawłowski stated that without additional tools, it is harder for the state to protect users from dangerous content.

The ministry emphasises the high threat to minors. According to ministry data, 39% of Polish teenagers have encountered cyber violence. Moreover, 45.5% of respondents aged 14 to 18 reported experiencing sexual aggression online within the last year.

Consequences of the veto for regulation

The President's decision does not cancel the operation of the European Digital Services Act (DSA). The first part of the Polish legislative amendments, which Nawrocki signed after splitting the original document, entered into force on 6 November.

This provision granted the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) powers to supervise internet platforms. Users now have the right to file complaints regarding violations of moderation rules, account blocking, and the functioning of appeal mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the national procedure for the accelerated removal of illegal content, which was provided for in the rejected part of the bill, will not currently come into effect.