Polish lawmakers have approved legislation that would make livestreaming violent crimes and other harmful acts a criminal offense, with offenders facing prison sentences of up to five years.
The measure targets a phenomenon known in Poland as “patostreaming” or “trash streaming,” in which content creators broadcast shocking, abusive, or illegal behavior online to attract viewers and generate revenue. The bill passed with overwhelming support in parliament and now advances through the remaining stages of the legislative process.
Under the proposed law, broadcasting serious crimes that are punishable by more than five years in prison would itself become a separate criminal offense. The legislation specifically covers livestreams depicting crimes such as murder and rape, as well as content involving animal cruelty or violence intended to humiliate another person. Offenders could face up to five years behind bars.
The rules would also apply to staged broadcasts. Lawmakers said individuals who simulate or falsely portray the commission of serious crimes during livestreams could face the same penalties as those who broadcast real incidents. The legislation additionally covers content promoting gambling.
The crackdown follows years of concern over the growth of violent and degrading online broadcasts in Poland. These streams often feature dangerous stunts, abusive behavior, humiliation, or other controversial content designed to attract donations and engagement from viewers. Researchers and child-protection groups have repeatedly warned about the popularity of such material among younger audiences.
According to research cited by Polish media and advocacy groups, a significant number of children and teenagers have been exposed to this type of content online. Previous studies found that many young viewers regularly watched such broadcasts, while a large majority believed the material should be banned.
The legislation forms part of a broader effort by Poland to tighten oversight of online content. Recent measures have included restrictions on mobile phone use by children under 16 in schools and stricter age-verification requirements for access to online pornography.
While the European Union’s Digital Services Act requires platforms to remove illegal content and material promoting severe harm, responsibility for prosecuting content creators remains with individual member states. Polish lawmakers said the new law is intended to close that gap by allowing authorities to pursue those who create and broadcast violent or degrading content, rather than focusing solely on the platforms hosting it.