Biznes Fakty
The photography ban has come into effect. Violations of the regulations are punishable by severe penalties.
As of Thursday, a directive from the Minister of National Defense has taken effect, establishing a prohibition on taking photographs of military installations and critical infrastructure without authorization. The new rules aim to enhance security and allow authorities to intervene and impose penalties for unauthorized photography of these sites.
The directive from the head of the Ministry of National Defense outlines the procedures for granting permits to photograph military units and critical infrastructure sites. It also details how these facilities should be designated.
From Thursday onward, capturing images of these locations without consent is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine or detention. Previously, enforcement of such restrictions was hindered by the absence of proper signage.
This regulation was officially published in the Journal of Laws on April 3.
What does the prohibition encompass?
The photography prohibition encompasses all forms of recording, including still photography and videography, both from the ground and aerially. This directive applies to organizations, institutions, formations, businesses, or units overseeing these locations.
„The regulations state that objects may be marked based on threats to their safety. This does not imply that the prohibition will apply to all such objects from the moment the regulations become effective; rather, the authorities responsible for their safeguarding will have the option to implement this measure in warranted cases. The responsibility for marking them lies with the authorities, institutions, and entities charged with protecting a specific object (e.g., airports, railway infrastructure)” – explained the media department of the Ministry of National Defence to the business editorial team at tvn24.pl.
The ministry further noted that filming or taking photos in these areas will only be permissible after obtaining prior consent.
„The application from the interested individual or entity can be submitted either in written form or electronically with a qualified electronic signature, personal signature, or trusted signature,” it stated. However, the announcement did not clarify which institution should be contacted regarding this matter.
What constitutes critical infrastructure?
According to the Government Security Centre, critical infrastructure is vital for the operation of the state and the welfare of its citizens. „Events caused by natural forces or human actions can lead to the destruction or damage of critical infrastructure, disrupting its functionality and potentially jeopardizing the lives and property of citizens. Such events can also adversely affect the nation’s economic growth. Therefore, safeguarding critical infrastructure is a primary concern for the Polish government,” as stated on the RCB website.
Critical infrastructure includes not only military sites but also civilian ones: airports, train stations, railways, power transmission networks, ports, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities. If the sign specified in the regulation is displayed on them, it indicates that the facility is protected and photography is prohibited.
What does a no photography sign look like?
The sign prohibiting photography is a square white board measuring 60 cm on each side, featuring a red border. At the top, the word „ZAKAZ” is inscribed in black letters, 7.45 cm in height. Below that is the word „PHOTOGRAFOWANIA” in black letters, measuring 3.35 cm in height.
Below, there are three black-and-white illustrations on a white background depicting a camera, a video recorder, and a mobile phone, each marked with a diagonal red line.
Underneath the illustrations, the phrase „PHOTOGRAPHY PROHIBITED” is translated into English, German, Russian, and Arabic.
Signs banning photography will be placed in prominent locations, on building fences, at intervals not exceeding 300 meters when the prohibition applies to an entire area.
Photography prohibition – regulation of the Ministry of National Defense, Journal of Laws of the Republic of PolandWhat are the consequences for photographing?
The regulation establishes a legal framework for law enforcement agencies (both civil and military) to act against individuals who photograph, film, or otherwise record images or likenesses of objects, individuals, or movable property deemed critical for the security or defense of the state, as well as facilities associated with the Ministry of National Defense and critical infrastructure.
The regulations indicate that violating the prohibition may lead to a fine or even arrest.
„Anyone who, without authorization, photographs, films, or otherwise captures the image of an object mentioned in art. 616a, marked with a photography prohibition sign, or the image of a person or movable property within such an object, shall face the penalty of arrest or a fine,” as stated in art. 683a of the Act on the Defense of the Homeland.
