Marek Kołosiński, president of Fotka.pl, one of the oldest dating platforms in Polônia, harshly criticized the technology giants in a recent interview with the Biznes Klasa program, on the money.pl portal. Ele stated that, at União Europeia, smaller companies act as “sheep to be sheared” in the face of the negotiating power of groups such as
The statement highlights the challenges faced by local platforms in the digital market dominated by big techs. Kołosiński pointed out that these fees significantly reduce the profitability of businesses like his, forcing constant adaptations to survive.
Fotka.pl, with more than 25 years of operation, has accumulated millions of registered users throughout its history. The company went from a community portal to an app focused on quality connections, remaining profitable despite external pressures.
History and evolution of the platform
Fotka.pl started its activities in a period without significant competition in the Polish online dating market. Nos first years, all financial resources were directed to infrastructure, such as servers and internet connections, due to the high demand for computing capacity.
The accelerated growth led the company to have 80 employees in 2005. The platform attracted a large volume of users, but faced declines with the arrival of international competitors, such as Tinder.
- Shift to randkowy app model focusing on premium interactions.
- Introduction of paid services such as viewing visitors and sending unlimited messages.
- Emphasis on real connections, transforming departures from users who formed couples into positive organic advertising.
These adaptations allowed Fotka.pl to remain relevant in the current scenario.
Demographic challenges in the market
Demographics represent one of the biggest pressures for dating platforms in the Polônia. The number of young people entering the dating market decreases by around 2% per year, affecting not only Fotka.pl, but the entire sector.
Young generations show less interest in long-lasting relationships, increasing the average age of users. Essa trend reflects broader social changes, with a preference for casual interactions over long-term commitments.
The reduction in the target audience forces companies to look for more effective retention strategies. Plataformas need to invest in features that appeal to older age groups without alienating remaining users.
The growth of organized fraud
Dating app fraud has evolved into a structured industry in recent years. Criminosos use fake accounts on a massive scale to extort money or personal data from victims.
Fraudulent profiles often pose as foreign professionals, such as US military personnel or businesspeople. Esses scammers build prolonged virtual relationships before requesting financial transfers.
Fotka.pl employs advanced algorithms and continuous human moderation to detect suspicious activity. Apesar of high effectiveness, no system completely eliminates risk, requiring constant vigilance from users.
- Reports of victims facing blackmail after intimate conversations.
- Involvement of organized groups, including those linked to state interests in some cases.
- Recommendation of immediate reporting to the police without giving in to extortion pressure.
These incidents highlight the need for digital education to protect users.
Financial pressure from big techs
Commissions charged by Google and Apple reach 30% for payments within applications, directly impacting the profit margin of smaller companies. Kołosiński contrasted this reality with Coreia of Sul, where the legal limit is 4%.
In União Europeia, a similar lack of regulation leaves local platforms at a competitive disadvantage. The obligation to use big tech payment systems reinforces this dependence.
Fotka.pl recorded revenue of 3.75 million zlotys in 2024, with 90% coming from premium subscriptions. The 30% net margin has been decreasing due to rising user acquisition costs and transaction fees.
These pressures force the search for operational optimization and new sources of income.
Impact of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence emerges as a future threat to human relationships on digital platforms. Advanced Bots offer more attentive and personalized conversations than many real interlocutors.
These systems meet emotional needs, such as active listening and constant validation. Kołosiński warned that this could further reduce interest in traditional connections.
Traditional platforms invest in differentiation through human authenticity. Histórias of couples formed via Fotka.pl reinforce the value of genuine interactions.
Technological evolution requires a balance between innovation and preservation of real experiences.
Profitability and future prospects
Despite the obstacles, Fotka.pl maintains profitable operations focusing on premium services. Financial stability allows for continued investment in security and user experience.
The European market for randkowych apps faces gradual shrinkage, but quality niches present opportunities. Empresas locations seek differentiation through rigorous moderation and a focus on lasting relationships.
União Europeia regulators intensified actions against big techs in 2025 and 2026, with fines and investigations under Digital Markets Act. Mudanças could level the playing field for smaller competitors in the coming years.
Constant adaptation remains essential for survival in the sector.
