President’s veto further delays the implementation of the DSA in Poland

Poland faces further delays in implementing the Digital Services Act (DSA) following a presidential veto, potentially setting back its efforts to regulate online platforms. This decision stalls a process that involved two years of negotiation between the government and civil society, led by organizations like the Panoptykon Foundation. The veto necessitates a complete restart of the implementation process, pushing back the timeline for compliance with the DSA's requirements. The DSA, a landmark EU regulation, aims to create a safer digital space. It will be implemented at a national level by each member state, but the Polish veto prevents this. The legislation mandates that online platforms take greater responsibility for content moderation, combating illegal activities, and protecting user rights. This delay impacts the entire Polish digital landscape, including software companies and digital platforms operating within the country. It also has broader implications for EU digital sovereignty. The DSA is a cornerstone of the EU's strategy to shape the digital economy according to its values and ensure a level playing field for businesses. The veto's impact underscores the complexities of translating EU-level regulations into national law. As Poland revisits the implementation, it is essential to ensure that civil society involvement is maintained to avoid the risk of further delays.