A new national security law coming into force this Thursday will prohibit photography at approximately 25,000 locations across Poland, with only a fraction being military installations, according to Euractiv.
The restrictions will apply to critical infrastructure including ports, power plants, railway networks, and even government buildings.
The amended Internal Security Act targets potential espionage activities but has drawn criticism for its broad scope. While sensitive military sites account for just 3% of restricted locations, the ban extends to civilian infrastructure like Świnoujście port, bridges, and railroad tracks. Violators risk fines, equipment confiscation, and possible arrest.
However, Radio ZET questioned the regulation’s effectiveness against actual spies, saying that modern surveillance technologies like satellite imagery already make such sites visible globally. Security expert Andrzej Kutys suggested the rules would likely apply to specific zones within restricted areas rather than blanket prohibitions.
The legislation may significantly affect domestic travel, with Polsat News warning of airport-style security checks becoming commonplace on public transport.
As Poland tightens its security framework, the balance between national protection and personal freedoms remains contentious. Critics argue the measures inconvenience citizens more than they deter sophisticated espionage operations.
