Cypriot entertainment center association demands consistent surveillance camera regulations

On September 14, 2026, the Pan-Cyprian Association of Entertainment Center Owners (PASIKA) issued a statement questioning the sudden focus of the Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection on surveillance cameras within hospitality venues. PASIKA's General Secretary, Fanos Leventis, clarified that the association acknowledges the necessity of data privacy regulations but expressed concern over the targeted scrutiny of entertainment centers compared to other commercial and public spaces.

Leventis argued that surveillance technology is currently ubiquitous across hotels, retail stores, offices, and public buildings. He emphasized that authorities frequently rely on such footage to resolve criminal incidents, thereby proving its value in security. The association maintains that a clear distinction should be made between cameras used for after-hours property protection and those recording during operational hours when staff and visitors are present. PASIKA insists that the principles of necessity and proportionality regarding data privacy must be applied uniformly across all sectors rather than focusing specifically on entertainment venues.