Polish officials highlight surge in online abuse affecting shoppers, children and men

A recent analysis of Polish online marketplaces revealed a growing trend of unreasonable buyer requests, with sellers reporting messages that blend personal hardship narratives with demands for free delivery, transportation assistance and even additional items. One example cited a buyer asking, “My son dreams of an iPhone, can you give it away for free?” – illustrating how negotiations have shifted toward emotional pressure.

Separately, a European Union‑backed report underscored the scale of cyber‑bullying among Polish youth. It found that 56% of children have faced online harassment, yet more than half (52.1%) did not report the abuse to parents or teachers. Victims also frequently encounter hate speech, pornographic content and risky challenges promoted by algorithms.

A third study warned of rising sextortion cases targeting men and boys. FBI data showed that between October 2021 and March 2023, at least 12,600 individuals fell victim to financial extortion based on intimate images, with a majority of victims being minors. Experts describe the crime as a form of sexual blackmail that exploits personal vulnerability rather than material assets.