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New Polish Law Aims to Block Big Tech Censorship

Posted on 22 December 2020

It often feels as though Big Tech overlords are constantly censoring content they disagree with, leaving users scratching their heads as to why they were censored. But one nation is looking to change the way Big Tech can censor speech. Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro of Poland “announced a legal initiative on Thursday [Dec. 10] aimed at enabling internet users to file complaints against the removal of online posts as well as the creation of a special court for freedom of speech,” according to Poland In. “Under its provisions, social media services will not be allowed to remove content or block accounts if the content on them does not break Polish law. In the event of removal or blockage, a complaint can be sent to the platform, which will have 24 hours to consider it. Within 48 hours of the decision, the user will be able to file a petition to the court for the return of access. The court will consider complaints within seven days of receipt and the entire process is to be electronic,” Poland In reported.  Not only will users be able to sue Big Tech companies in some instances, but there will reportedly be consequences for Big Tech companies if they do not comply with Poland’s law. “If a special court rules in favour of the plaintiff and the internet service does not obey the ruling it can subject the internet service to a fine of up to PLN 8 million (EUR 1.8 million) imposed by the Office of Electronic Communications,” reported Poland In. Eight million Polish Zloty amounts to $2,161,184.80. Many in the United States have certainly grown weary of Big Tech’s constant censorship. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called Big Tech one of two great “threats of conservatism.” Twitter specifically has censored President Donald Trump and his campaign 543 times, but has not censored former Vice President Joe Biden or his campaign at all. Facebook and Twitter are both already planning to censor what they deem to be “misinformation” about COVID-19 vaccines. In October, Facebook removed and Twitter flagged a post from Trump in which he said that COVID-19 is less lethal “in most populations” than “the flu.” Conservatives are under attack. Contact your representatives and demand that Big Tech be held to account to mirror the First Amendment while providing transparency, clarity on “hate speech” and equal footing for conservatives. If you have been censored, contact us at the Media Research Center contact form, and help us hold Big Tech accountable.