Poland: X (formerly Twitter) Enabled the Spread of Anti-LGBTQI+ Hatred and Harassment - A Deep Dive
Amnesty International‘s latest examination reveals a disturbing pattern: X (formerly Twitter) has demonstrably failed to protect LGBTQI+ individuals in Poland from a surge of hateful content and targeted harassment. Our findings highlight systemic shortcomings in X’s content moderation, risk assessment, and compliance with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This isn’t simply a platform failing to police its content; it’s a platform actively contributing to human rights abuses.
Understanding the Scope of the Problem
Poland has become a focal point for anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric, and X has sadly served as a key amplifier. the platform’s inadequate resources and policies have allowed hateful narratives to flourish, creating a hostile online surroundings with real-world consequences.
Here’s a breakdown of the critical issues:
Severe Understaffing: X employs a shockingly small number of polish-speaking content moderators - just two, one of whom has Polish as a second language.
Massive Coverage Area: These two individuals are tasked with monitoring content for a population of 37.45 million, including 5.33 million X users. This is simply unsustainable.
Lack of Response: Amnesty international reached out to X with detailed questions regarding its operations in Poland (August 2024) and to present our findings (June 2025). We received no response.
Failure to Uphold Digital services Act Standards
The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates that very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) like X proactively assess and mitigate systemic human rights risks. X’s 2024 risk assessment acknowledged the presence of hate speech, but crucially failed to specifically address harms targeting the LGBTQI+ community.
Further, an independent DSA audit (covering the period up to august 23, 2024) found X’s risk assessment and mitigation measures to be:
Weak.
Ineffective.
Lacking safeguards for algorithmic systems.
This demonstrates a clear disregard for the DSA’s requirements and a failure to protect vulnerable groups. You deserve a safe online experience, and X is falling short.
The Human Cost: A Direct Quote
“This combination of poor resourcing, policy and practice has contributed to X becoming a platform awash with hateful content targeting the LGBTI community,” states Alia Al Ghussain, highlighting the direct link between X’s failings and the harm experienced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Poland.
A Pattern of Neglect: Amnesty international’s Previous Findings
This isn’t an isolated incident. Amnesty International has consistently documented how X’s design and policies contribute to the spread of harmful narratives.
We’ve previously reported on:
The amplification of false narratives targeting Muslims and migrants in the UK. (August 2025)
The prevalence of violence and abuse against women on the platform. (March 2018)
The inherent human rights risks posed by surveillance-based business models – a concern initially raised in our 2019 report on Google and Meta, concluding their models are “inherently incompatible” with essential human rights.
These findings paint a clear picture: X’s core business model incentivizes engagement, even if that engagement is fueled by hate and misinformation.
What Needs to Happen Now
The European Commission must take decisive action. We urge them to:
Expand current investigations into X to specifically include the company’s ability to address the risk of targeted hate and harassment against LGBTQI+ individuals.
Demand urgent reforms to ensure X stops contributing to human rights abuses.
Require increased investment in Polish-language content moderation.
Re-evaluate X’s surveillance-based business model and its inherent incompatibility with human rights.Your Role in Demanding Change
You can help hold X accountable. Share this report, contact your representatives, and demand that platforms prioritize safety and respect for all users. The DSA provides a crucial framework for accountability, but it requires robust enforcement to be effective.
X has a responsibility to protect its users. It’s time they fulfill that obligation.
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