The Polish parliament voted to punish 'trash streaming', imposing sentences of up to five years in prison for the online broadcasting of serious crimes.

Polish lawmakers adopted a law on Thursday aimed at combating 'trash streaming', defining as crimes the online broadcasting of acts such as murder, rape, animal cruelty, and humiliation of others. According to the new regulations, these crimes, for which penalties exceed five years in prison, will be considered separate offenses, attracting penalties of up to five years of detention.

The measure is part of a broader effort by Poland to tighten regulations regarding online content, including banning the use of mobile phones in schools for minors under 16 years old. The law also applies to individuals who simulate committing these crimes during live broadcasts. The European Union, through the Digital Services Act (DSA), requires platforms to swiftly remove illegal content and to prevent the promotion of violence.