illustration: Bing/CopilotWillingness to share data depends on age, gender, education, and place of residence. Younger individuals and those with higher education are more likely to disclose information, as are men when it comes to permanent discounts and women for one-time promotions. Residents of large cities are more cautious than those from smaller towns.
The most popular benefits that encourage individuals to provide sensitive data include:
- permanent (35%) or one-time (31%) discounts/promotions.
- free products/services (27%),
- free apps/accounts (22%),
- exclusive content (16%),
- personalized offers (15%).
What Data Do We Share and What Are the Risks?
The study by ChronPESEL.pl and the National Debt Register shows that the prospect of gaining additional benefits encourages Polish internet users to share:
- email address (80%),
- first and last name (59%),
- phone number (55%),
- residential address (33%),
- PESEL number (8%),
- identity card number (7%).
Experts warn that sharing email addresses, names, and phone numbers can create risks of phishing and account takeover.
– If this is a special email address that we use, for example, only for shopping or using services, it`s not a problem. It’s worse if we use the same address daily and have provided it, for example, to our bank – warns Bartłomiej Drozd, an expert from ChronPESEL.pl, as quoted by the NEWSERIA agency. – If an email, name, and phone number leak into the hands of cybercriminals, they may attempt to reset passwords and use recovery procedures to take over a bank account.
Despite educational campaigns, 2.4 million Poles do not see the dangers associated with sharing their PESEL number. Some mistakenly believe that blocking their PESEL protects them from all obligations.
A study conducted in April 2024 on a representative group of 1,016 Poles shows that Poles are increasingly aware of the need to protect their personal data, but there is still a need for education regarding the risks associated with sharing data, especially their PESEL number.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Law in media
Ai in disinformation. Operation Matryoshka and personalization of fakes
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The increasing use of artificial intelligence to generate false content and profiled disinformation are trends that will shape the disinformation landscape in the coming years, according to Dr. Wojciech Kotowicz, an expert from the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn, Poland.
Dietary supplement ads in Poland. Who keeps influencers in check?
Newseria, KFi
One in three Polish internet users considers influencer recommendations when deciding on medicines and dietary supplements. Although promotion of such products is regulated, there are still cases of advertising that skirt the law.
SEO Poisoning. Hackers Use Search Engines to Target Businesses
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Search engines help us quickly find information, but they can also be used by cybercriminals. SEO poisoning is a tactic where attackers manipulate search engine rankings to place harmful websites at the top of search results.
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Local Media in Poland - The Press Owner Influence
Bartłomiej Dwornik
The editor-in-chief, according to the provisions of the Press Law, should be responsible for the content of the materials prepared by the editorial team as well as for the editorial and financial matters of the editorial office. This is the theory.
Cybersecurity Market and Online Privacy in Poland in 2022
BARD
The value of the cybersecurity market in 2022 will exceed PLN 2 billion, according to the latest report by PMR analysts. At the same time, a study by ClickMeeting reveals that over 57% of Poles believe they are already taking proper care of their online privacy.
Unsolved Journalist Murders: CPJ Report 2024
KFi
Haiti and Israel have topped the latest report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on impunity in journalist murders. Worldwide, 80% of cases remain unsolved. The report explores why those who kill journalists evade accountability, highlighting the countries leading this grim statistic and its impact on press freedom.
Data for Benefits: What Encourages Sharing Personal Information Online
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Most Poles are aware of the value of their personal data and do not share it without reason. However, one in five is willing to share data in exchange for benefits, and 16% of us do not remember if we have done so. These are the results of a study conducted by ChronPESEL.pl and the National Debt Register under the patronage of the UODO.





























