Poland, a law to limit the power of social media

The Polish government is preparing a law to limit the power of social networks like Facebook and Twitter to delete content and close accounts.

According to the project announced by the executive, the sites could take such initiatives only if the publications violate Polish law.

The text provides for the creation of a five-member "freedom of expression council" to review complaints from users of social networks whose accounts have been closed or content removed.

The members of the guarantee council cannot be politicians and will be appointed by parliament for six years.

"The council will protect the constitutional right to freedom of expression on all social networks operating in Poland," said Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro.

The aim is to bring the new law into force in January 2022, according to Sebastien Kaleta, a senior official in the Ministry of Justice in charge of the dossier.