A proposed decree from the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which would mandate internet service providers to log users’ website visits, has drawn intense criticism from experts and the public.
A Novinky.cz poll revealed overwhelming opposition, with 96.7% of over 41,000 respondents firmly rejecting the plan. An additional 1.2% were “mostly against” it, while only 2.1% supported the measure.
The article discussing the initiative received around 2,000 comments, with many voicing concerns over privacy and fears of creeping authoritarianism (49%). One commenter stated, “In a legal democracy, no one would even consider proposing such an outrage,” while another warned, “Under the guise of protecting democracy, the state will monitor everyone who doesn’t conform to its idea of proper behavior. We’re starting to align with countries like China.”
Critics also pointed to potential political motivations behind the proposal (22%) and the financial burden it could place on internet service providers and consumers (16%). Some argued that skilled criminals would evade detection, rendering the measure ineffective.
Despite the controversy, the ministries involved claim the decree aims to assist law enforcement in criminal investigations by granting access to browsing data.
Amid growing public backlash, Interior Minister Vít Rakušan distanced himself from the initiative, stating, “If the decree currently under discussion poses such a risk, it will definitely not pass through me.”
