Marek Kołosiński, president of Fotka.pl, one of the oldest and most well-known Polônia relationship platforms, harshly criticized Apple and Google. In a recent interview, the executive stated that technology giants impose a predatory business model on União Europeia, treating smaller companies as “sheep to be sheared” by charging commissions that can reach 30% on all transactions carried out within the applications.
Kołosiński’s criticism exposes the growing tension between app developers and the owners of major digital stores, whose fees directly impact the financial sustainability of local businesses. Ele argues that this commission structure stifles innovation and competitiveness, forcing companies like yours into a constant battle for survival in a digital market largely dominated by North American players.
With a history of more than 25 years, Fotka.pl has managed to remain relevant and profitable, accumulating millions of registered users. The platform, which evolved from a community portal to an application focused on quality connections, faces not only competition from new applications, but also the financial pressure exerted by big tech policies.
The financial pressure of technology giants
The main point of conflict for companies like Fotka.pl lies in the commissions charged by Google and Apple, which control the Android and iOS operating systems, respectively. The fee of up to 30% on payments made in applications is seen by many developers as abusive and disproportionate. Kołosiński drew a parallel with Coreia of Sul, where legislation imposed a 4% cap on these commissions, suggesting that similar regulation in União Europeia would be beneficial for the digital ecosystem. The absence of European regulations in this regard puts local platforms at a clear disadvantage, as they are forced to use the payment systems of technology giants, which reinforces dependence and limits profit margins. In 2024, Fotka.pl recorded revenue of 3.75 million zlotys, with 90% of this amount coming from premium subscriptions. Embora the company maintains a net margin of 30%, this percentage is under constant threat due to the increase in new user acquisition costs and, mainly, the transaction fees imposed by application stores.
A trajectory of adaptation and resilience
The history of Fotka.pl is marked by a remarkable capacity for adaptation. The platform was launched at a time when the Polish online dating market had practically no direct competitors, which allowed for exponential growth. Nos the first few years, all financial resources were reinvested in infrastructure, such as servers and more robust internet connections, to support the high demand from users. Esse accelerated growth meant that the company had 80 employees in 2005, consolidating its position as market leader.
However, the arrival of international competitors, especially Tinder, represented a major challenge and caused a drop in the number of active users. Para to remain relevant, Fotka.pl needed to reinvent itself. The company moved from a community portal to a dating app model focused on premium interactions, introducing paid services like viewing profile visitors and unlimited messaging. The strategy of focusing on real and lasting connections worked, transforming couples formed on the platform into a powerful organic and positive marketing tool.
The advance of organized fraud
One of the most complex challenges currently faced by relationship platforms is the sophistication of fraud. What were once isolated scams have evolved into a structured industry, with criminal groups using fake accounts on a large scale to extort money and personal data from vulnerable victims. Esses fraudulent profiles usually follow a pattern, presenting themselves as successful professionals on missions abroad, such as American military personnel, engineers or businesspeople.
Scammers take time to build a virtual trust, often over weeks or months, before presenting a dramatic story and requesting financial transfers. Para combat this threat, Fotka.pl invests heavily in technology, using advanced artificial intelligence algorithms and a human moderation team that works continuously to detect and remove suspicious activity. Apesar Due to the high effectiveness of these systems, risk is never completely eliminated, which requires users to remain vigilant and be wary of financial requests.
In addition to financial scams, there is an increase in cases of blackmail, where criminals threaten to disclose intimate conversations or images if the victim does not pay a required amount. Authorities recommend that, in such situations, the victim does not give in to pressure and reports the case immediately to the police. The complexity of these crimes, which often involve organized groups operating internationally, highlights the urgent need for digital education campaigns to protect users.
The sector’s demographic challenges
In addition to competition and fraud, the dating app industry in Polônia faces significant demographic pressure. Estatísticas indicate that the number of young people entering the dating age range is decreasing at a rate of approximately 2% per year. Essa trend not only affects Fotka.pl, but the entire market, reducing the potential target audience for these platforms.
There is also a change in the behavior of younger generations, who show less interest in lasting relationships and a postponement in the search for serious commitments. Como result, the average age of dating app users has increased. Essa social transformation forces companies in the sector to develop new retention strategies, creating resources that attract older age groups without alienating the remaining young audience.
The struggle of local platforms in the digital market
The situation at Fotka.pl illustrates a broader problem affecting countless technology companies in Europa. The dominance of a small group of American giants creates an environment of unequal competition, where local platforms struggle to scale and innovate. Reliance on the Apple and Google app stores as the primary distribution and monetization channel gives these companies disproportionate market power, allowing them to impose rules and fees that benefit their own ecosystems.
In this context, regulation appears as a hope for smaller competitors. União Europeia has intensified its actions against big tech, with the application of Digital Markets Act (DMA) resulting in investigations and significant fines throughout 2025 and 2026. Essas regulatory measures aim to curb anti-competitive practices and create a fairer business environment, which could, in the coming years, level the playing field and offer better conditions for European companies to prosper.
Artificial intelligence as a new frontier of competition
Looking to the future, Marek Kołosiński identifies artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential existential threat to human relationships as we know them. Ele warns of the development of increasingly advanced conversation bots, capable of offering more attentive, personalized and rewarding interactions than many human interlocutors. Esses AI systems are designed to meet basic emotional needs like active listening and constant validation, which can make them extremely attractive to people who feel lonely or misunderstood.
The risk, according to the executive, is that the convenience and simulated perfection of these artificial interactions could further diminish people’s interest in real human connections, which are inherently more complex and imperfect. Diante In this scenario, platforms like Fotka.pl focus on differentiation through authenticity, reinforcing the value of genuine interactions and success stories of couples who formed through the app. Technological evolution will require a delicate balance between adopting innovations that improve the user experience and preserving the fundamental purpose of these platforms: facilitating true human connections.
Profitability in an adverse scenario
Despite all the challenges, from financial pressure from big techs to demographic changes and new technological threats, Fotka.pl manages to maintain a profitable operation. The secret to this stability lies in focusing on a business model based on premium services, which attracts users willing to pay for features that increase their chances of finding a serious relationship. Essa financial strength allows the company to continue investing in crucial areas such as security, content moderation and improving the user experience, factors that differentiate it in the market.
The European dating app market may be facing a gradual shrinkage in terms of new users, but there are still quality niches with great potential. Empresas places that can differentiate themselves through rigorous moderation, a clear focus on lasting relationships, and a deep understanding of their target audience have the opportunity to thrive. From Para to Fotka.pl and other similar platforms, the ability to constantly adapt is not just a strategy, but an essential condition for survival and long-term success in the dynamic digital sector.
