In Poland, prison threatens for broadcasts with violence and humiliation of people
The Polish Sejm has passed a law introducing criminal liability for so-called pathostreaming — broadcasts and videos featuring violence, humiliation of people, cruel treatment of animals, and other shocking actions. For spreading such content for views or profit, imprisonment may be threatened.
After approval by the lower house of parliament, the law must be considered by the Senate.
What is pathostreaming
Pathostreams are live broadcasts or videos in which authors demonstrate violence, fights, abuse of people or animals, humiliation, dangerous behavior, or other shocking actions for the sake of popularity, views, and profit from advertising or donations.
In recent years, such broadcasts have become a separate phenomenon on social networks and video platforms. Often, authors deliberately arrange scandals, conflicts, or even illegal actions to attract audience attention.
What can be punished
The new law provides punishment for persons who publicly distribute content online that shows the commission of crimes or other actions prohibited by law if this is done to obtain material benefit or personal gain.
This concerns videos and broadcasts showing:
- serious violent crimes;
- cruel treatment of animals or their killing;
- humiliation or abuse of people;
- violence against other persons;
- certain offenses related to gambling.
Importantly, liability may arise even if the person being humiliated or abused on camera formally agreed to participate in such a video.
Moreover, the law applies not only to real crimes but also to staging or imitation of such actions if they are presented as real and used to attract audience attention.
Separate punishment for content involving children
Stricter sanctions are provided for spreading content that demonstrates illegal actions against minors.
For such materials, imprisonment from three months to five years may be threatened.
Who the new law will not affect
The law specifically states that its provisions do not apply to journalistic, scientific, educational, or artistic activities.
For example, liability should not arise for publishing journalistic investigations, documentaries, scientific materials, or other publications created in the public interest.
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