Poland's new law could send streamers behind bars for profiting from violent or degrading content.
Poland has officially signed a new law targeting so-called "trash streaming," a controversial form of online content built around violence, humiliation, dangerous stunts, and other shocking acts designed to attract views and donations. Under the new legislation, creators who profit from broadcasting or distributing this type of content could now face prison time.
The bill was signed into law by Polish President Karol Nawrocki after receiving overwhelming support from both houses of parliament. While many countries rely on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Kick to moderate harmful content, Poland is taking things a step further by holding creators themselves criminally responsible.
Going Viral Could Now Mean Going To Jail
The law targets content that publicly depicts serious criminal acts for financial or personal gain.
Creators who distribute content involving crimes against minors can face between three months and five years in prison, while other offenses can also result in criminal penalties depending on the severity of the material. The legislation even covers staged or simulated criminal acts intended to generate clicks or revenue.
What Exactly Is "Trash Streaming"?
The term refers to livestreams or videos that deliberately push boundaries to attract attention. For example: creators broadcasting fights, humiliating participants for donations, abusing animals, or carrying out dangerous and illegal stunts simply because outrage generates views.
The practice has existed in Poland for years under the local term "patostreaming," and lawmakers from both the governing coalition and the opposition backed the new legislation after several high-profile incidents sparked public debate.
While platforms already have moderation systems in place, Poland's new approach shifts some of the responsibility directly onto creators. Instead of relying solely on bans or demonetization, the country is now prepared to treat some forms of viral content as criminal offenses.
Do you think more countries should introduce laws like this, or does it go too far? Let us know in the comments!
