Complaining about online platforms in Poland: DSA from 6 Nov 2026
Short answer: A law in force from 6 November 2026 makes the UKE President Poland's Digital Services Coordinator. Users can complain to UKE about platform breaches of the EU DSA, even for foreign-based providers.
From 6 November 2026, people in Poland will have a named national authority to complain to about online platforms. The President signed the first of two Polish laws that put the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) into practice, and the law names the President of the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) as Poland's Digital Services Coordinator. This guide explains what changes for users, what a complaint can and cannot do, and what is still only a bill. Status as of 15 October 2026.
The first law: in force on 6 November 2026
The act of 4 September 2026 amending the act on providing services by electronic means and certain other acts was published in the Journal of Laws on 6 October 2026 (item 1296) and enters into force on 6 November 2026, according to the legal database Inforlex and the UKE website. It adapts Polish law to the DSA, the EU regulation (2022/2065) that sets rules for online platforms and other intermediary services.
According to the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the act:
- names the President of UKE as the Digital Services Coordinator, responsible for supervising the use of the DSA, handling citizens' complaints, working with the European Commission and with authorities of other member states, and running proceedings against providers that break the rules;
- gives the UKE President inspection and sanction powers;
- sets rules for certifying out-of-court dispute settlement bodies, trusted flaggers and vetted researchers;
- creates a National Council for Digital Services as an advisory body to the UKE President.
* Photos: "Hand-laptop-notebook-typing" and "Typing on a laptop (Unsplash)", Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
Where you can complain
UKE explains that the DSA gives the recipient of a service the right to lodge a complaint about an alleged breach with the Coordinator of the member state where the person is located or established. So a user in Poland will be able to complain to the UKE President even when the platform's main place of business is in another EU country.
What happens next depends on the case, according to UKE:
- If the matter falls under Polish authorities, it will be handled in Poland under the national split of powers between the UKE President, the President of UOKiK and the Chair of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT).
- If the Coordinator of another member state is competent, the UKE President will assess the complaint and, where appropriate, pass it to that Coordinator, possibly with an opinion.
- Availability of a service in Poland does not mean the provider is directly supervised by UKE. UKE also notes that the very large platforms and search engines fall partly under the European Commission.
The second law: not yet in force
A second act, a change to the same electronic-services law, deals with a national procedure for orders to block access to illegal content. It is still in the legislative process. The Ministry of Digital Affairs says it would let prosecutors, the Police, the National Revenue Administration and the Border Guard ask for quick blocking of content linked to child sexual abuse, identity theft, fraud or copyright breaches. Immediate enforcement of a blocking decision would be possible only for the most serious crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors. The ministry also says users who disagree with a platform's decision to remove content or block an account would have new appeal procedures run by the UKE President and KRRiT.
According to the legal portal prawo.pl (9 October 2026), the Senate amended the bill, including shortening the time before it takes effect from six to three months, and it now returns to the Sejm. An earlier attempt at this mechanism was vetoed by the President. Because the text can still change, treat it as a bill, not as law.
What this means for you
- From 6 November 2026, if a platform's conduct appears to breach the DSA, you can file a complaint with UKE. Check the UKE website for the complaint form and requirements once the law starts.
- A complaint is not a guarantee of action. Under the DSA, the competent authority depends on where the provider is based.
- For scams and illegal content, also report to the police or the prosecutor as usual. This guide does not cover that procedure.
- Consumer problems with an online seller still go through the usual consumer channels.
This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
When does the DSA implementation law start in Poland?
The act of 4 September 2026, published in the Journal of Laws on 6 October 2026 (item 1296), takes effect on 6 November 2026.
Who is Poland's Digital Services Coordinator?
The President of the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE).
Can I complain about a platform based in another EU country?
According to UKE, yes. A user in Poland can complain to the UKE President, who will handle the case or pass it to the competent Coordinator in the other member state.
Is the website-blocking law in force?
No. As of 15 October 2026 it is a bill. The Senate has amended it and it goes back to the Sejm.
