Public discourse on Poland’s proposed electronic communications reform centered on individual choice for TV viewing. Government spokesperson Piotr Müller spoke at a Monday press briefing about the law, clarifying that citizens would decide which channels they watch themselves as the bill moves through Parliament.
Questions about the “lex pilot” concept
A notable provision would arrange the order of TV channels on remote controls so that the first five positions would be reserved for public broadcasters. This has led some commentators to label the measure as the “lex pilot.”
The draft law is part of Poland’s broader effort to align national rules with the European Electronic Communications Code. While some provisions derive from EU regulation, the measure also reflects domestic regulatory decisions. The government spokesperson noted that the package addresses a range of consumer protection issues in the electronic communications sector, not limited to any single standard.
Among the highlighted topics are consumer rights, such as refunds for prepaid telecommunication services and other protections designed to safeguard subscribers in the evolving market for electronic communications.
READ ALSO:
– Sharp cut! Małgorzata Gosiewska admonishes Grzegorz Braun: Please don’t disrupt the stage, you may express yourself elsewhere
– A dispute on TVP Info! An MP exited the studio, prompting comments about the nature of political debate in media spaces
— The head of the National Broadcasting Council reassures: the penalties will match the nature of violations. The ongoing Gadowski case remains in view
The central message: citizens choose their channels
In addressing concerns about the law, the spokesman emphasized that every individual should freely decide which TV channel to watch. He cautioned against overreacting to proposals that are still being shaped by existing regulations and procedures. The underlying intent, he suggested, is to avoid inflating emotions around the bill while it undergoes formulation.
The Electronic Communications Act would replace the current Telecommunications Act of 2004. The draft, a substantial document of nearly 3.5 thousand pages, was sent to the Sejm in early December. On January 13, the Sejm did not reject the draft at first reading and referred it to the Parliament’s Committee on Digitalisation, Innovation and Modern Technologies for further consideration.
The project aims to implement Directive (EU) 2018/1972 from the European Parliament and the Council, establishing the European Electronic Communications Code. Poland’s adoption of the Code would occur through a consolidated substantive law and an introductory act, affecting dozens of amendments to related statutes such as the Broadcasting Act. One provision would set the order of TV channels on remote controls so that Telewizja Polska channels occupy the top five slots. Another article would task the National Broadcasting Council with regulating a list of 30 programs that fall under broadcasting obligations outside TVP.
The plan also expands the scope of operators required to provide data and to withstand operational oversight. This would include data access across the sector and, in some cases, data sharing with security and intelligence agencies and other authorities as part of national safety and regulatory compliance measures.
Article 53 of the draft specifies that the President of the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE), upon a justified request from an authorized entity, may issue a binding decision to block electronic communications services and messages within six hours if such actions are deemed necessary to defend state security, public safety, or to support lawful authority actions. The aim here is to ensure rapid response when risks emerge that could threaten critical infrastructure or safety.
wkt/PAP
Source: wPolityce