The Polish Informatics Society has protested against plans to introduce censorship on the internet in Poland.

According to a government-sponsored bill connected with their attempt to ban gambling on the web, the authorities would have the right to block some web pages deemed harmful by them.

Polish Informatics Society's head Marek Hołyński says the project does not make sense and the current legal regulations concerning the internet are fine: “If somebody spots a website containing criminal content, they are supposed to report it to the police,” he said.

Hołyński accused the government of not consulting their ideas with specialists in the area. “What's worse, these projects appear out of the blue, they are not proceeded by consultations with experts, organizations or society. They are usually introduced on the occasion of implementing some other projects, as an addition,” said Hołyński.

Internet users have expressed concerns that the government is taking steps leading to the limitations on the freedom of speech. The government claims this is all for the good and safety of Internet users. (jn)