Poland Backs Off On Internet Gambling Censorship

February 28, 2010 | News Category: Gaming Law

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In recent news, Poland’s government had announced their decision to censor online gambling sites, and various types of pornographic sites. Internet Service Providers were informed that they were to block and restrict access to a number of sites, which included casino sites, and other sites that were gambling-related.

After the announcement was made, there was uproar from Polish citizens. As soon as the news got out that the government was planning to censor any sites that it felt were offensive or harmful to their citizens, the Polish people organized protests against this action.

There were a number of ways that the Polish people let their government know they were displeased, and would not accept decisions such as these being made for them. Social networks, such as Facebook, were used to spread the word, and gather support against this decision. Political action committees were also formed, with the express purpose being to prevent the government from taking away the freedom of the people.

The Polish government took notice of what their citizens had to say, and took the opportunity to hold talks with organizations from outside the government. The Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, personally spent much time in discussions with the various organizations. After much discussion, the government has let go of their idea to censor the Internet. This is certainly a victory for the Polish people.

Last week, Prime Minister Tusk’s website carried a statement explaining that the idea to censor the Internet has simply been abandoned. At this time, the Polish government has no plans to censor the Internet, and has abandoned any plans that were being set in motion.

A first draft of the attempted Internet filtration system had already gone as far as being sent to the Polish Constitutional Tribunal. The Polish Parliament were very quick to say that the proposal was unconstitutional after the public outcry. Unsurprisingly, The Wall Street Journal carried an article noting that the whole situation was a "major public relations disaster."

Even though the whole situation could have put Prime Minister Tusk in a very bad light, he did manage to turn things around by swiftly changing direction as soon as he understood that the people did not agree. This quick and decisive action might well have saved his public image.

It is still unclear as to which way online gambling will go in Poland. At this time, players can still enjoy playing their favorite games via foreign Internet casinos and other gambling sites.