Specifically, this concerns the amendment to the Act of March 11, 2022 on the defense of the Homeland, which was signed by Andrzej Duda in August 2023. It introduces a ban on photographing selected objects that are particularly important for state security. This includes: o critical infrastructure facilities such as trains, planes, stations, highways and bridges.
The government has outlined the design of boards that will deter spies from foreign countries
Although the regulations are already in force, in practice they remain dead for now (apart from the fact that few citizens know about them). Under the law, the ban only applies to places where there is a sign prohibiting photography in accordance with the pattern. However, the previous government did not have time to prepare and publish its template, which gave opponents of the ban hope that the new regulations would not be enforced.
These hopes were in vain, because – as reported – the Ministry of National Defense had prepared a template of a board prohibiting photography. Moreover, a draft regulation of the Ministry of National Defense on the procedure and deadlines for issuing photography permits was submitted for government consultations. In accordance with previously adopted regulations, managers of infrastructure covered by the ban will be able to issue permits to photographers to take photos in justified cases.
Supporters of the amendment to the regulations argued that the ban on photographing selected objects would have a positive impact on Poland’s security and defense. that the boards will not stop agents and spies who will always find a way to pass photographs of critical infrastructure to foreign intelligence services. The law will hit ordinary citizens.
If the appropriate board is located at the railway station, taking a photo before boarding the train will be prohibited. Even if it is only to commemorate a long-awaited vacation. The same will apply to photos popular among tourists with the background of an airplane waiting on the airport tarmac. The regulations may also put an end to taking photos of views outside the window while driving on the highway and may affect drivers who use popular car cameras.
In the era of ubiquitous smartphones and miniature cameras that can be placed in any size device (e.g. glasses, watches or pens), it will be difficult to effectively enforce this ban. Let’s hope that at least the spies will respect Polish law and comply with the ban on photographing objects that are critical to the state.
Source: Gazeta
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