Poland’s Citizens’ Coalition introduces legislation to criminalize patostreaming content depicting illegal acts and violent behavior.
Legislation Details
The project sponsored by Monika Rosa proposes imprisonment from three months to five years for individuals who publicly distribute content depicting prohibited acts including violence against life and health, cruelty to animals, violations of bodily integrity, and illegal gambling promotion.
Exemptions
The same penalties apply to those distributing content simulated to be authentic. The project excludes criminal liability only for acts committed as part of artistic, educational, collector, or scientific activities, excluding cruelty to animals and fiscal offenses.
Public Concern
Citizens’ Coalition highlights alarming statistics: 1.4 million Polish children aged 7-12 use social media, one in four teenagers watches pato-content, and nearly 90% of parents are unaware their children are exposed to such material. The Foundation We Give Children Strength warns children’s immature nervous systems are defenseless against such video violence.
Legal Action Against Patostreamers
In January, prosecutors filed an indictment against Marcin F. and Bartłomiej K., known as Kawiaq and Tucznik, for conducting internet broadcasts watched by tens of thousands where they behaved vulgarly and obscenely toward young women. Meanwhile, Mark M. known as Czujny, a former assistant to Grzegorz Braun, has been released on parole after being convicted of cruelty to his pregnant partner.