The Polish government has officially enacted regulations nicknamed 'Lex Huawei' that address cybersecurity and supplier risk management in the telecommunications and IT sectors. These regulations have been in development for five to eight years and are designed to strengthen the nation's defenses against cybercriminal attacks. On February 19, President Karol Nawrocki signed this legislation, which also includes provisions to exclude so-called high-risk vendors from the market.

Despite the signing of the law, some sections have ignited ongoing debate, prompting President Nawrocki to refer the legislation to the Constitutional Tribunal for review. However, he has employed a post-control procedure, allowing the new regulations to come into effect without delay. This move places an immediate responsibility on public administration and businesses to prepare for compliance with the new cybersecurity requirements and supplier evaluations.

The implementation of 'Lex Huawei' marks a significant shift in Poland's approach to cybersecurity and telecommunications, prioritizing national security and potentially shaping the market landscape by restricting certain foreign companies deemed as high-risk. This development raises questions about how it will affect existing contracts, partnerships, and overall investment in the Polish tech sector, along with its implications for relations with affected suppliers.