Data protection complaints related to the recent elections have decreased compared to the 2021 parliamentary elections, according to Commissioner Maria Christofidou.
- Data protection complaints related to the recent elections have decreased compared to the 2021 parliamentary elections, according to Commissioner Maria Christofidou.
- As a noteworthy milestone, Christofidou pointed out that May 24, 2026, will mark the eighth anniversary of the General Data Protection Regulation’s implementation in Cyprus.
On election day, officials from the Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection conducted checks at 400 polling stations across Cyprus. This included inspections in the Paphos district for the first time.
Christofidou highlighted that while the initial observations were positive, the complete statistical picture would be clearer in the coming days. “Yesterday, nationwide checks were carried out at 400 polling stations,” she noted, expressing gratitude towards her team for their efforts to ensure the checks were conducted smoothly.
She acknowledged the cooperation of the Returning Officer, the Assistant Returning Officer, and the Election Service officials, stating they responded promptly to any issues raised. “Based on the data I have before me today, complaints are lower than in the previous parliamentary elections of 2021,” she added.
Complaints received since February primarily concerned unsolicited phone calls, text messages, and communications through platforms like Viber. Additionally, there were two cases involving public announcements of voters’ names and details.
The final tally of complaints is expected to be released in the coming days, as Christofidou noted that the trend of increased complaints in the final 24 hours before the elections was noteworthy. This surge was attributed to a lack of clarity regarding the complaints her office addresses, which relate to personal data protection legislation.
One of the key issues was whether voters had consented to their inclusion in updated lists maintained by political parties. Christofidou clarified that while the ban on advertising in the 48 hours leading up to the elections is a distinct matter, it does not fall under her office’s jurisdiction regarding personal data violations.
She underscored the link between elections and personal data protection, emphasising that respecting citizens’ privacy is fundamental to fostering trust within a democratic society. “Elections and the protection of personal data are closely linked to democracy,” she stated.
As a noteworthy milestone, Christofidou pointed out that May 24, 2026, will mark the eighth anniversary of the General Data Protection Regulation’s implementation in Cyprus.
