Cameras have been discovered in the toilets of restaurants and a multitude of other premises, data protection commissioner Maria Christofidou revealed on Wednesday.
Speaking on Politis radio, she denounced the installation of cameras in toilets as “strictly prohibited”.
“The campaign of on-site inspections in catering and entertainment venues will begin next month, as we have been informed that there are cameras in the toilets,” she said.
Asked whether the discoveries stemmed from public complaints, she said she had in fact witnessed such cases herself in person.
Pressed on whether inspections had extended beyond restaurants, Christofidou acknowledged that issues had also been identified in certain hotels.
She stressed, however, that most businesses operate entirely lawfully and have submitted the required impact assessments.
In addition, she said her office had already planned how the inspections would be conducted.
Asked as to why they had not yet begun, she attributed the delay partly to staff shortages, explaining that new officers had only recently been recruited.
The discussion also addressed a request from the Paphos municipality to instal cameras in parks and public spaces in order to curb vandalism.
Christofidou explained that the municipalities law permits local authorities to install surveillance systems in public spaces such as parks in the endeavour of preventing crime, though this does not allow for rampant unchecked installation.
Municipalities must submit an impact assessment detailing camera locations, operating hours, as well as previous incidents.
She said such cameras installed without prior consultation with her office are not considered legal, citing an approved case in Paphos following inspection, compared with cameras in the Limassol suburb of Kato Polemidia, for which no permit had been granted.
On cameras placed by private individuals, Christofidou said the key issue is their range, explaining that people may protect their own property but cannot be recording their neighbours or public spaces beyond what is strictly necessary.
She encouraged the public to photograph and report such cameras pointed at public spaces or neighbouring properties.
