Justice Ministry Proposes ATM Camera Recording

1 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland’s Justice Ministry proposes an ATM recording requirement and fines for covered faces, affecting privacy and daily cash use.

Poland’s Ministry of Justice has proposed a change that would require cameras at every ATM and cash deposit machine. The plan would create an ATM recording requirement and could fine customers who cover their faces while using machines.

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ATM recording requirement: what is proposed

The proposal appears in a financial markets reform bill circulated among ministries. Moreover, the Justice Ministry asked to add an obligation for banks and ATM owners. In addition, operators would record the image of every user. Also, the draft would require storing footage for 90 days after a transaction. Therefore, security services could access those recordings quickly.

However, the draft includes a controversial enforcement clause. It would penalise anyone who covers their face or part of it during a cash transaction. Moreover, the text suggests fines or even a public reprimand (mandat would be the usual Polish fine term in daily policing). However, the law does not clearly define when a covered face counts as deliberate concealment. Consequently, wearing a scarf in winter or a mask for allergy reasons might become risky, depending on interpretation.

Who gets access and why the government wants it

The proposal names eleven institutions that could use the footage. They include courts, prosecutors, the Police, the Border Guard and intelligence services. Moreover, financial police such as the National Revenue Administration could also request footage. The Justice Ministry argues the move would help fight so-called “cash pick-ups” after frauds like BLIK scams. In addition, the ministry says investigators lose chances when footage disappears after months. Therefore, the plan aims to close that investigative gap.

However, critics warn about costs and privacy. Many ATMs lack cameras or have outdated systems. Moreover, operators would face expenses for new cameras and storage. In addition, privacy advocates say the measure risks broad surveillance. Consequently, public trust in banks might erode if people feel monitored during everyday transactions.

Practical problems and legal context

Poland already uses video evidence in criminal probes. However, courts must now lift bank secrecy to get transaction records. Moreover, the ministry says court orders often arrive too late. In addition, footage sometimes disappears before authorities receive permission. Therefore, pre-emptive recording could help solve some cases quickly.

Nevertheless, the current proposal sits in inter-ministerial talks. Consequently, lawmakers can amend or remove controversial parts. Moreover, public consultations and cost assessments may follow. Therefore, nothing becomes law until the parliament votes.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland expect more cameras in public spaces. In addition, authorities may request footage for fraud probes. Moreover, a “mandat” means a fine, ZUS refers to the social insurance institution, and NFZ means the National Health Fund. Also, PESEL is your national ID number. Therefore, keep ID details private and avoid covering your face near ATMs until rules clarify exemptions for health and weather.

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