The Polish Sejm has overwhelmingly passed a new law targeting “patostreaming,” introducing prison sentences for publicizing illegal or humiliating acts for personal gain, with the bill now heading to the Senate.
Legislative Breakdown and Penalties
The legislation passed with 419 votes in favor, while 19 deputies voted against it and Krzysztof Bosak abstained. The law criminalizes the public dissemination of content showing illegal acts, animal cruelty, or the degrading treatment of others, even when consensual, provided it is done for financial or personal gain.
The statute specifically targets intentional crimes against life, health, freedom, and sexual morality, as well as the promotion of illegal gambling. Notably, content produced for artistic, educational, journalistic, scientific, or public interest purposes is exempt from these criminal provisions.
Distributing content that depicts illegal acts against minors will carry a prison sentence ranging from three months to five years.
Origins and Political Context
The legislative effort was a cross-party initiative, with bills proposed by both PiS and KO members. Deputy Michał Wójcik of PiS advocated for merging these proposals to streamline the process.
The term “patostream” refers to the live broadcasting or recording of vulgar, obscene, or brutal content. The debate gained sudden public attention when former PiS deputy Łukasz Mejza brought “pato-influencer” Daniel Zwierzyński, known as “Magical,” into the Sejm building on the very day the legislation was being debated.
