Data Commissioner finds camera in restaurant women’s toilet, orders inspection campaign

Local Crimetop newTop News Data Commissioner finds camera in restaurant women’s toilet, orders inspection campaign Data Commissioner Finds Camera In Restaurant Women's Toilet, Orders Inspection Campaign Relevant News Data Commissioner finds camera in restaurant women’s toilet, orders inspection campaign 26 August 2026 Drousiotis accepts “Sandy” challenge, agrees to device examination 26 August 2026 Convicted rapist gives podcast interview from inside Cyprus prison (video) 26 August 2026 Newsroom 26 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Cyprus’s Data Protection Commissioner, Maria Christofidou, found a camera installed in a restaurant’s women’s toilet during a personal visit to the premises. Speaking on the “Alpha Kalokairi” programme, she said that “during a visit I made to a specific catering establishment, we noticed there were cameras in the women’s toilets.” She made clear that installing cameras in such areas is prohibited. The case is now under investigation by the Commissioner’s Office, which will examine whether the incident constitutes a breach of data protection legislation and whether grounds exist for imposing sanctions. Asked about further action regarding the establishment in question, Christofidou declined to elaborate, saying: “allow me not to comment further on how we will proceed with the investigation.” Restaurant inspection campaign to begin Against the backdrop of this incident, the Commissioner announced a campaign of on-site inspections at catering establishments starting in September. The checks will examine not only whether cameras are present, but also where they are positioned, exactly what they record, their field of view, and their operating hours. As Christofidou explained, “there are legal requirements regarding where cameras can be placed, the field of view they capture, and their operating hours,” aimed at protecting citizens’ privacy and personal data. The Commissioner also clarified that installing a camera does not always require prior approval from her Office, though specific obligations and conditions must be met, and that an impact assessment may be required in cases where data processing carries increased risk. She also addressed cameras installed by municipalities in public spaces, explaining that the law allows municipal authorities to use surveillance systems for specific purposes, such as preventing vandalism, fires and environmental hazards, though this does not mean every camera installation is automatically lawful. The Personal Data Protection Authority recently issued a statement on the public debate over municipal CCTV installations in parks and other public spaces, clarifying that such systems are permitted for safety and civil protection purposes, provided GDPR and national legislation requirements are met. The Authority stressed that camera use must be necessary and proportionate, with recording limited to what is strictly required, and that municipalities must carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment and submit it for prior consultation. According to the statement, impact assessments already submitted by municipal authorities are currently under evaluation. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Drousiotis accepts “Sandy” challenge, agrees to device examination Convicted rapist gives podcast interview from inside Cyprus prison (video) MP submits questions to minister over Lara Beach protection measures Heavy traffic on Nicosia-Limassol highway near Dali industrial area (photos) Oxi means no—to Cypriot sovereignty A hugely significant development Turkey is called upon to prove it, not just say it Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.