The measure, published in the country’s Journal of Laws on 3 April, establishes a permit system and requires restricted sites—about 25,000 nationwide—to display a red‑and‑white “No Photography” sign.
It covers all forms of image capture, including drone and airborne footage, and applies to military units as well as strategic industrial plants that produce, store or repair weapons and other defense equipment.
General Wiesław Kukuła, chief of the General Staff, said the rule was introduced amid “growing activity by hostile intelligence services seeking imagery of our critical infrastructure.” Recent arrests, he added, involved agents linked to Russia and Belarus who carried detailed photographs of Polish bases.
Until now, officials lacked legal grounds to intervene when people took pictures of sensitive objects. “This tool is aimed at foreign services and at fostering a culture of responsibility for our security,” Kukuła told reporters, noting that comparable bans exist in many countries.
However, experts doubt the practical enforceability of the measure given modern technologies such as satellite imagery and drones, which make it nearly impossible to determine who is taking photographs and what is being captured.
Critics warn that the new ban could lead to significant inconveniences, particularly for public transport passengers, as enforcement may escalate to levels seen in airport security.
In a worst-case scenario, every traveler could face heightened scrutiny, with authorities potentially suspecting routine photography of covert intelligence gathering.
(jh)
Source: PAP, IAR