The Polish data protection authority (UODO) has submitted a petition to the Minister of Health regarding the regulation of access to mobile phones for patients in closed psychiatric units.

Initiated by a patient's family, the petition highlights the lack of regulation governing the use of smartphones in these units, which poses a threat to the privacy and informational self-determination of patients. Unregulated access to devices capable of recording and instantly broadcasting sound and images on social networks raises major concerns, as this goes beyond the mere need for contact with relatives. The data involved include images, personal data, and sensitive health data, the unauthorized disclosure of which constitutes a violation of data protection legislation. It is also noted that patients may have a reduced capacity to assess the consequences of their actions, making the effects of a publication potentially irreversible. Although the UODO does not have legislative initiative, it has offered its expert support for the development of future legislation on this subject.