New Government Regulation: Netizens Face 5-Year Prison Sentence for Live Streaming

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Policymakers in Poland are planning to establish new regulations targeting digital content created by netizens on online platforms. The draft regulation is currently in the voting stage before it can be enacted into law. If passed, the regulation could impose a prison sentence of up to five years for netizens who disseminate negative content, specifically live streams termed ‘trash streaming’. According to Reuters on Friday (12/6/2026), trash streaming content includes material related to rape, humiliation, violence, and violence against animals. This measure is part of a broader push by the Polish government to tighten the circulation of online content. In addition to establishing rules to curb trash streaming, the government is also taking other steps, including banning mobile phone use for children under 16 in schools. Local authorities are also imposing stricter restrictions on age verification for accessing pornographic content. Under the new provisions, streaming crimes that can be punished by more than five years in prison, such as murder or rape, will be classified as separate offences punishable by up to five years in prison. The law also covers content showing cruelty to animals, violence intended to humiliate others, and the promotion of gambling. Lawmakers stated that the same penalty will apply to individuals who simulate or falsely depict such criminal acts during a live stream. The European Union regulates illegal content and crimes broadcast live through the Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires platforms to promptly remove material that promotes violence or serious harm. However, accountability for the creators of such content is governed by individual member states.