public cameras — Cyprus does not maintain an official registry of public cameras, according to Data Protection Commissioner Maria Christofidou. During a meeting of the House finance committee on Friday, she highlighted the absence of a legislative obligation to track the number of cameras installed by public services, local governments, and other organisations.
The discussion arose amid broader concerns regarding the placement of surveillance cameras in schools and stadiums. Christofidou clarified that while cameras can only be installed in school areas following a decision by the technical services of the education ministry, there is no legal requirement to register these installations.
Public cameras: Regulations Around School Cameras
In the context of school security, Christofidou stated that any camera installations are strictly confined to the surrounding areas of schools, with the intention of safeguarding students’ personal data. Furthermore, these cameras are designed to operate only after school hours, thus minimising potential privacy violations.
Stadium Surveillance Unapproved
When addressing stadiums, Christofidou noted that there have been no applications submitted for camera installations as of yet. This absence of requests raises questions about the extent of surveillance measures in public venues where large gatherings occur.
The Approval Process and Accountability
The commissioner underscored her office’s responsibility to approve camera installation requests from various entities. However, she pointed out a significant gap: not all installations are reported, even after approval has been granted. This lack of accountability could potentially lead to unmonitored surveillance practices across the island.
Call for Data Protection Awareness
During the meeting, Christofidou, who assumed her role in late September, emphasised the critical nature of data protection in today’s digital landscape. “The protection of personal data and transparency is not a luxury, it is an obligation but also an investment in democracy and in citizens’ trust in the rule of law,” she asserted, stressing the need for informed policies that respect citizen rights.
Budgetary Commitments to Digital Security
The financial implications of enhancing data protection were also discussed, with Christofidou revealing that her office’s budget for 2025 stands at €1,034,768. This amount is set to rise by 34.5 per cent to €1,391,571 in 2026. Most of these funds are earmarked for digital security, with €40,000 allocated specifically for this purpose in the upcoming budget. This funding aims to cover the annual fees associated with the digital security authority, as mandated by legislation pertaining to network and information system security.
Christofidou’s remarks reflect a growing awareness of the challenges posed by digital advancements and the necessity for robust protective measures to ensure citizens’ rights are upheld amidst evolving technologies.
