In Poland, online casino streamers could face imprisonment

In Poland, lawmakers have passed a bill aimed at combating the spread of “violent content” online. From now on, the online streaming of crimes—including rape, murder, animal cruelty, and violence intended to humiliate human dignity—will be punishable by up to five years in prison.

The law applies not only to the streaming of actual crimes: the same penalties apply to the simulation or staging of such acts on camera. The legislation also covers content that promotes gambling and encourages the audience to participate in it, as well as material intended to publicly humiliate an individual.

Part of a Large-Scale Digital Reform

The adopted law is part of a comprehensive state strategy to regulate the digital space in the country. Previously, Polish authorities had already introduced a ban on the use of mobile phones by students under the age of 16 in educational institutions, as well as tightened age verification requirements for accessing pornographic content online. These steps demonstrate Warsaw’s consistent course toward establishing clear boundaries in regulating the online environment.

At the European Union level, issues of illegal content and crimes committed live online are regulated by the Digital Services Act (DSA). The law requires platforms to promptly remove material that promotes violence or causes serious harm to users. However, holding the direct creators of such content criminally liable remains within the jurisdiction of national governments.