MP Monika Rosa Urges Presidential Intervention on Online Safety Legislation
Rosa appeals to Marta Nawrocka to support legislation enabling faster removal of illegal online content.
1Legislative Appeal Initiated
MP Monika Rosa, chair of the parliamentary committee for children and youth, sent a formal letter to Marta Nawrocka on October 26. The correspondence requests that Nawrocka intervene with the President to ensure the signing of a crucial bill designed to facilitate the blocking of illegal content across various digital platforms.
2Context of Presidential Veto
The President must decide on the proposed legislation by mid-November. Earlier this year, the President vetoed a similar bill aimed at implementing the Digital Services Act. The urgency for the current version has intensified following violent knife attacks in schools located in Leszczydo-Nowiny and Ostrołęka, which occurred throughout the month of October.
3Leveraging Public Advocacy
Rosa’s appeal to Marta Nawrocka is strategically based on the First Lady's previous public statements regarding the protection of minors. By highlighting Nawrocka's prior commitment to these issues, the MP hopes to influence the presidential decision-making process, emphasizing that the current digital environment poses significant risks to the safety of young citizens.
4Regulatory Powers Proposed
The legislation would empower Polish courts and regulatory bodies, including the Office of Electronic Communications and the National Broadcasting Council, to block criminal content. Rosa argues that these institutions require stronger legal tools to effectively intervene in social media, streaming services, and gaming platforms, which she identifies as high-risk environments for minors.
5Evidence of Digital Threats
To support her plea, Rosa cited alarming data from the NASK-PIB research institute, noting that over 70 percent of teenagers identify hate speech as the primary problem in cyberspace. Additionally, she referenced WE PROTECT Global Alliance findings, which suggest that 69 percent of minors in Poland have experienced some form of online sexual exploitation.
6Urgency for Safety Mechanisms
The proposed bill introduces essential complaint mechanisms and procedures for reporting dangerous content. Rosa stresses that while this legislation is not a total solution, it serves as a critical instrument for building a comprehensive safety system. She remains available for further consultation to discuss the technical necessity of these protective measures.
7Broader Policy Implications
The debate reflects a growing tension between digital freedom and the state's responsibility to protect vulnerable populations. By targeting the President's office via his spouse, the opposition MP is utilizing a high-profile political channel to bypass previous legislative deadlocks, aiming to secure a signature before the mid-November deadline for the bill.
8Future Outlook on Safety
The success of this appeal depends on the President's willingness to reconsider his stance on digital regulation. If signed, the law would mark a significant shift in how Polish authorities handle online criminal activity. Observers are now watching to see if the recent school violence will influence the final executive decision.