mObywatel in a new version: what changed in May 2024 and why is it an important step in digitalization?

Since mid-May 2024, the **mobywatel** application has gained several key features designed to make daily life easier for millions of Poles. From integration with e-prescriptions to identity verification using the new ID card – the government has committed to even greater digitalization of public services. Are these changes truly revolutionary, or just another step in a long process? We have examined the details and gathered the most important information.

New features in mobywatel as of May 2024 – what has actually changed?

On May 13, 2024, the mobywatel application was updated with several long-awaited features. According to information from the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the changes were primarily aimed at simplifying access to public services and reducing bureaucracy. Among the most important new features are:

• Integration with the e-prescription system – patients can now view their prescriptions directly in the app, without the need to log into a separate portal.
• Submitting applications for family benefits (e.g., 500+) – the new "Benefits" tab allows for submitting applications along with digital attachments.
• Identity verification using an ID card with a biometric layer – eliminates the need to use a Profil Zaufany or e-dowód.
• Notifications about document expiration dates – the app will automatically remind you about the need to renew your driver's license or passport.
• mobywatel for Business – entrepreneurs can now handle official matters directly through the application.

When and for whom are the new features available?

Not all amenities were launched immediately for all users. Some of them operate in a pilot mode and will be gradually expanded:

What goals did the government have in mind when introducing the changes?

According to statements by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski, the new features in mobywatel are primarily intended to:

• Increase citizen convenience in using public services.
• Reduce bureaucracy through the digitalization of processes.
• Accelerate document circulation and eliminate paper-based workflows.

The new features are part of a broader GovTech program, which aims to digitize public administration services. However, it is worth noting that some changes (e.g., integration with e-prescriptions) have long been expected by patients and doctors.

Problems that were meant to be solved

The new features in mobywatel are designed to address several common problems:

1. The burden of using e-services – previously, to check an e-prescription, one had to log into a separate system, which often required additional authentication steps.
2. Submitting paper applications – the process of applying for family benefits was time-consuming and required physical delivery of documents.
3. The need to have multiple government apps – integrating services into one application was intended to simplify users' lives.
4. Lack of reminders about document validity – many users forgot about expiration dates, leading to problems (e.g., invalidation of a driver's license).

Cooperation with other institutions – who is involved in the new features?

The introduction of new features would not have been possible without cooperation with other entities. According to government information, the key institutions involved in the project are:

• Ministry of Digital Affairs – coordination of the entire process and system integration.
• NFZ – providing data on e-prescriptions.
• ZUS – cooperation on applications for family benefits.
• Ministry of the Interior – identity verification using the new ID card.
• Banks and technology companies – support for security and application optimization.

It is worth emphasizing that some features (e.g., e-prescriptions) were already available in other systems, but their integration with mobywatel was intended to centralize access to the most important services.

Technical aspects of the new features – what is under the hood?

The new features in mobywatel are not just a "pretty interface" – they are backed by advanced technical solutions. Below are the most important details:

System requirements

Integration with other systems

A key challenge when introducing new features was integration with existing systems. For example:

• E-prescriptions – required connection to the NFZ system, which had operated independently until now.
• Family benefit applications – cooperation with ZUS was necessary to ensure smooth data flow.
• Identity verification – integration with the Ministry of the Interior's ID card system.

According to experts, the biggest challenge was data standardization between different systems to ensure consistency and security.

Reactions to the changes – what do users, media, and experts say?

The new features in mobywatel have sparked mixed reactions. Here are the most important voices:

User opinions

• Positive:
  • "Finally, I can check my prescription without logging into a separate website!" – comment on Facebook.
  • "The app has become much more useful. You can handle more matters without leaving home." – opinion on Reddit.
• Negative:
  • "The new ID card with the biometric layer doesn't work on my phone – an NFC error keeps popping up." – complaint on a forum.
  • "I didn't know the update was already out. I only saw the notification in the store after a week." – comment on Twitter.

Media stance

Most news portals approached the topic with moderate enthusiasm:

"mobywatel is gaining functionality, but still requires refinement – especially regarding accessibility for the elderly."
– Wirtualna Polska, 14.05.2024

"The new features are a step in the right direction, but the government should consider a broader information campaign to make citizens aware of the app's capabilities."
– Gazeta Prawna, 15.05.2024

Expert voices

Experts from the technology and legal sectors highlight both the advantages and potential risks:

• The Panoptykon Foundation pointed out the necessity of protecting personal data, especially in the context of integration with the e-prescription system. In their view, the Ministry of Digital Affairs should be even more committed to transparency in its actions.
• The Supreme Medical Council appreciated the simplification of the prescription fulfillment process but noted that medical personnel will need additional training to fully utilize the new features.

What's next? Plans for the coming months and years

The Ministry of Digital Affairs does not hide the fact that work on mobywatel is far from finished. According to announcements, further updates are planned in the near future:

• Q3 2024:
  • Integration with the e-sick leave system (planned launch: October 2024).
• Beginning of 2025:
  • Possibility of paying for public services (fines, court fees) directly through the app.
  • Expansion of mobywatel for Business to include setting up limited liability companies (sp. z o.o.) online.

According to government estimates, the ultimate goal is for mobywatel to become a single point of access to all public services in Poland, competing with solutions used in Estonia or Denmark.

mobywatel vs. solutions in other countries – how does Poland compare?

To better assess the progress of digitalization in Poland, it is worth comparing mobywatel with similar applications in other countries:

Estonia – mRiik

• Advantages:
  • Full handling of official matters, including electronic voting.
  • Integration with the health system, banking, and transport.
• Differences:
  • Estonia introduced service digitalization over a decade ago, while Poland is only now catching up.
  • In Estonia, the app is mandatory for citizens, whereas in Poland, it is voluntary.

Czech Republic – MojeID

• Advantages:
  • Integration with the health and social security system.
• Differences:
  • Lack of identity verification functionality using an ID card.
  • Less advanced integration with business services.

Slovakia – eID

• Advantages:
  • Fast login to public services.
• Differences:
  • No integration with the social benefits system.
  • Less intuitive interface.

In summary, Poland still has a lot to catch up on, but the new features in mobywatel are a step in the right direction.

Sources

• https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/mObywatel-potezniejszy-niz-kiedykolwiek-Rzad-dorzuca-do-aplikacji-wyczekiwane-nowosci-9156313.html
• https://www.gov.pl/web/cyfryzacja/aktualnosci/nowa-aktualizacja-aplikacji-mobywatel-jesli-chcesz-wiedziec-wiecej
• https://www.gov.pl/web/cyfryzacja/aktualnosci/mobywatel-dla-biznesu
• https://www.wp.pl/technologia/mobywatel-nowe-funkcje-2024-co-sie-zmieni
• https://www.gazetaprawna.pl/artykuly/9156313,mobywatel-aktualizacja-2024-nowe-funkcje.html
• https://www.rynekzdrowia.pl/Technologie-i-innowacje/e-recepty-w-mobywatelu-czyli-cyfryzacja-w-praktyce,214760.html
• https://www.panoptykon.org/wydarzenia/mobywatel-z-nowym-interfejsem-i-funkcjami-czy-to-juz-bezpieczne
• https://www.nil.org.pl/aktualnosci/integracja-e-recept-z-mobywatelem-to-krok-w-dobra-strone
• https://www.ceidg.gov.pl/
• https://www.gov.pl/web/edowod
• https://www.gov.pl/web/profil-zaufany