Poland Considers Automatic PESEL Blocking After Big Data Leak

12 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland debates automatic PESEL blocking after the MyDr leak affecting millions. Learn what it means for residents and expats.

Poland considers a major change after a massive medical-data breach. automatic PESEL blocking appears on the table as a protective measure. Consequently, authorities and citizens now debate the balance between security and convenience.

Table of Contents

What happened and why it matters

The MyDr breach exposed personal records for up to 18.8 million people. Moreover, attackers accessed names, PESEL numbers, health notes, phone numbers, and email addresses. Therefore, the government urged people to check their records at the national portal safeecuredane.gov.pl. However, many people missed the notice. As a result, more than 700,000 Poles requested PESEL protection in one day. The scale explains why officials propose systemic change.

automatic PESEL blocking: what the proposal means

BBN head Bartosz Grodecki suggested reversing the current rule. Currently, adults opt in to block their PESEL number. In contrast, the idea would block all numbers by default. Consequently, citizens would temporarily unblock their PESEL for specific needs. In addition, the state already blocks PESEL automatically in narrow cases. For example, authorities block a PESEL when someone reports a lost national ID. Also, registries block a PESEL after a recorded death. Therefore, lawmakers know how to implement a broader rule.

Practically, a blocked PESEL does not stop daily life. You can still visit a doctor, fill a prescription, deal with the National Health Fund (NFZ), and cross borders. Moreover, you can withdraw cash and use cards. However, banks and lenders must check the register before certain actions. For instance, you cannot open a new bank account or take a loan with a blocked PESEL. Also, notaries and telecom firms check the registry for high-risk services. Therefore, people would only need to lift protection for rare actions. The state would then automatically restore the block.

How to lift or restore protection

The system currently allows quick unblocking through the mObywatel app. In addition, people can use online services or visit a local office. Warsaw city offices let residents file requests at any delegate office. Moreover, you can set a timed unblock that re-applies automatically. Consequently, the change would mostly adjust habits rather than workflows.

Why expats should pay attention

Expats often need ID checks for many services. For example, employers ask for a PESEL to register with ZUS, the social security agency. In addition, doctors or the NFZ may request PESEL details for care. Therefore, an unexpected block could delay hiring or medical care. However, unblocking remains easy for those with a Polish e-ID or mObywatel. Meanwhile, non-digital residents would still access offices to change status.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, PESEL acts like a national ID number. You need it for healthcare (NFZ), tax, and social security (ZUS). Therefore, check whether your PESEL appears in the MyDr leak at the state portal. Moreover, set or lift protection via mObywatel or visit your city office. Also, watch for phishing calls and SMS messages that use leaked personal data.

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