Internet piracy costs Polish economy as much as 3 billion PLN a year

Every other Polish internet user aged 15-75 uses illegal online sources. According to an analysis of Deloitte, the total losses Polish economy incurs due to online piracy last year were over 3 billion PLN, while State Treasury losses were estimated at approximately 836 million PLN.

Despite growing accessibility of legal online content, internet users keep choosing illegal sources due to lower prices. The problem is also the fact that there has been no intensified legislative action regarding content protection. Due to that, illegal trade in films or ebooks became a very lucrative activity. Legal responsibility is avoided through building complex chains of linked services. Although it may seem the area is a threat only to the economy, being usually out of reach of control, more and more often it is also a source of problem related to malware or data security.

Over 12 million people who use illegal sources pay pirate services several or 10-odd PLN a month. The total amount of the expenses is approximately 900 million PLN a year. You may therefore assume that last year’s profits of pirate services offering illegal content were about 745 million PLN after taxes and transaction fees.

It is projected that without introducing appropriate legislative changes, the total value of content consumed from illegal sources between 2017 and 2024 will reach approximately 30.4 billion PLN. As specialists note, such amount could cover about 70 percent of public sector deficit for 2015 at one go.

Business Implications for Poland

Economic and regulatory developments in Poland have broad implications for businesses operating in the country. Poland’s economy, the largest in Central and Eastern Europe, continues to attract international investors and entrepreneurs seeking EU market access, competitive costs, and a skilled workforce of over 17 million workers.

For foreign companies and entrepreneurs doing business in Poland, staying informed about economic trends, regulatory changes, and market dynamics is essential for strategic decision-making. Whether you are considering entering the Polish market, expanding existing operations, or optimizing your corporate structure, professional advisory support can help navigate the complexities of the Polish business environment.

Poland offers a comprehensive business infrastructure including special economic zones with tax incentives, a well-developed banking system, modern office space in major cities, and a legal framework aligned with EU standards. These factors, combined with Poland’s strategic geographic position between Western and Eastern Europe, make it an attractive hub for businesses targeting the broader European market.

If you are doing business in Poland or considering entering the Polish market, Zalewski Consulting can help. Learn more about our tax advisory services in Poland, or contact us for a free consultation.