The mObywatel app has a new function. It will be useful during a road accident

The mObywatel application, which has already received 19 million downloads, has gained popularity thanks to features such as blocking a PESEL number or applying for an energy voucher. In mid-August, the “Safely on the Net” function was introduced, allowing for quick reporting of online fraud, which is only the beginning of further expansion of the application. In September, this functionality will be expanded to include a knowledge base containing articles from experts from CERT Polska.

mCrash coming soon

Before the end of the year, new options are planned to be added to the mObywatel application, such as a blood donor ID and the “mStłuczka” function. They will enable, among other things, the exchange of statements after a road accident and reporting damage to the insurer directly from the application. Work on the integration of additional documents, such as senior cards or teacher IDs, is also underway.

In the future, mObywatel is to enable the suspension and resuspension of ID cards, the development of Tax Office services, and the integration of additional documents, such as doctoral student IDs or certificates for pharmacists and laboratory diagnosticians. Currently, the application provides access to various information, including tickets, penalty points, and air quality.

Trust in the mObywatel application is reflected in statistics: 19 million downloads and over 7 million active users. The application also enjoys high ratings in the Google Play and App Store stores, with scores above 4.8 out of 5. Since July 2023, its new version, mObywatel 2.0, has been available, which introduces a new identity document – mDowód, equivalent to a traditional ID card or passport.

Security and data protection

One of the most frequently used functions in the application is the PESEL number blocking, which is used by about 40 thousand people every day. Blocking the PESEL number effectively protects against identity theft attempts, which is particularly important in the context of financial security. By August of this year, 4.5 million people had used this function.

In the first two weeks of operation, 155,000 people submitted applications for the energy voucher, 100,000 of which via the mObywatel application. This voucher is a one-time payment for electricity bills for the second half of 2024, which can be used by people with low incomes.

Since mid-August, mObywatel users have been able to use the function of reporting internet incidents, such as fake websites or suspicious messages. The CERT Polska team is responsible for reviewing reports and responding to cyber threats, and from September, the application will have a knowledge base with expert articles.

Poland has made significant progress in providing digital services, scoring 69 points in the latest eGovernment Benchmark 2024 report. The mObywatel application was highlighted as an example of good practice in the category of transparency of public services.