Minors in Cyprus use digital tools to illegally rent jet skis

Minors in Cyprus are increasingly employing digital deception to rent jet skis, a practice that has spread from foreign tourists to local residents. According to Dimitris Chatzidimitriou, president of the Pancyprian Association of Water Sports, individuals are using mobile applications to alter their identification documents. These modifications include changing dates of birth and digitally adding facial hair to their photos to appear older.

Beyond photo manipulation, some minors attempt to bypass age restrictions by bringing an adult to the rental site, claiming the individual is their parent to verify their age. However, when operators demand that the accompanying adult sign a binding legal statement confirming the minor’s status as an adult, the group typically abandons the rental attempt. The industry is currently facing these challenges nationwide, forcing operators to remain increasingly vigilant against these falsified digital identities.