In fresh years we have seen the dynamic improvement of digitalisation of public services in Poland. Government introduces further mobile applications specified as mCitizen, to facilitate citizens' access to administrative papers and services. However, questions arise about the necessity of installing these applications and the possible legal consequences for their lack.
mCitizen – Pole's digital wallet
Application mCitizen It is gaining popularity, allowing the retention of digital versions of documents, specified as identity card or driver's license. According to February 2025 data, the application downloaded over 8 million Poles. The Ministry of Digitisation encourages its installation, highlighting the benefits of having digital papers always on hand.
Mandatory applications on the horizon?
In 2022 there were reports of government plans to preinstall selected government applications on all smartphones sold in Poland. This proposal afraid applications specified as RSO (Regional informing System) and Alarm112, to increase citizens' safety by providing fast information on threats.
This thought has sparked many discussions on privacy, freedom of choice and possible sanctions for deficiency of required applications. By February 2025, however, there were no rules imposing the work to install these applications or penalties for their absence.
e-TOLL – work for drivers
Another example of a government application is e-TOLL, toll collection strategy for toll road sections in Poland. Truck drivers and certain passenger vehicles are obliged to usage this system. Failure to pay a fee with e-TOLL may consequence in a mandate of PLN 500 for passenger vehicles and PLN 1500 for dense work vehicles.
However, it is worth noting that this work applies only to certain categories of vehicles and is linked to the usage of toll roads. There is no general request to install e-TOLL applications for all citizens.
Mandates for deficiency of government applications – legal position for 2025
As of February 17, 2025, Polish government does not require circumstantial government applications on private devices of citizens. There is so no legal basis for imposing fines for the absence of specified applications.
Government applications, specified as mCitizen, are optional tools to facilitate everyday life and contact with public administration. Their installation is recommended, but not mandatory.
The proposals to introduce compulsory government applications are controversial. Privacy and civilian rights organisations are afraid about possible breaches of privacy and freedom of choice. These discussions show the importance of balancing between the benefits of digitalisation and respect for individual rights.
Although the government is intensively promoting the usage of applications specified as mCitizen, at present there are no rules requiring their installation or penalties for their lack. Citizens are free to choose whether they want to usage these tools or not. However, it is worth following up-to-date government information and communications, as fresh regulations may appear in the future.
Continued here:
Mandatory government applications on smartphones: do they endanger us with fines for missing them?
