Paphos municipalities coordinate to expand surveillance in public spaces

Municipalities across the Paphos district have launched a coordinated initiative to install surveillance cameras in parks, squares, and public buildings. During a meeting held on August 27, 2026, attended by local mayors, community representatives, and officials from the Paphos District Local Government Organisation (EOA), Acting Mayor of Paphos Angelos Onisiforou announced that the project aims to deter vandalism, protect municipal assets, and enhance public safety. Annual damage to public property costs thousands of euros, and local authorities frequently spend resources on restoring vandalized areas.

Currently, Paphos has already installed 55 cameras, and state departments have provided pre-approval for 60 additional units. The planned expansion requires the installation of solar-powered poles to allow autonomous operation and data storage capability for 20 to 30 days. To proceed, the municipalities will submit a joint letter to the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, Maria Christofidou, to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Commissioner Christofidou recently confirmed that municipalities are permitted to install such systems for security purposes, provided they conduct a data protection impact assessment and receive the necessary official approval.