Poland advances regulations for digital platforms and gig workers

Poland is advancing legislative efforts to regulate digital platforms, focusing on both labor rights in the gig economy and the protection of minors online.

The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy has drafted a bill to implement EU directives regarding digital platform work. The proposal introduces a presumption of employment for couriers, drivers, and translators, shifting the burden of proof to the platforms. However, the OPZZ trade union has criticized the draft, arguing it fails to account for the Polish market's reliance on fleet partners and civil law contracts.

Simultaneously, Polish officials are discussing stricter controls on social media to protect children. During the ‘Safer Internet’ conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski emphasized that technology platforms must be held accountable for the digital well-being of teenagers. Discussions include potential age restrictions for social media use, penalties for sexual deepfakes, and more rigorous enforcement of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) against Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) like Meta.