Balancing the Law with Mutual Safety and Enjoyment

Cyprus Data Privacy Laws: GDPR, Law I25(I).2018 and OCPDP Guide (2026) - Articles 15 & 17 of the Cyprus Constitution

The 1960 Constitution of Cyprus does not expressly recognise a standalone right to personal data protection. Instead, data privacy is constitutionally grounded in two related but separate provisions.

Article 15 protects private and family life. Any interference must be lawful and necessary for reasons such as security, public safety, public order, health, morals, or the rights of others. The Supreme Court of Cyprus has treated this protection as extending to informational privacy, supporting domestic personal data protection laws.

Article 17 safeguards the secrecy of correspondence and communications. Interference is allowed only when authorised by law for criminal investigations and subject to judicial control.

Together, Articles 15 and 17 reinforce Cyprus’s data protection framework. In balancing GDPR rights with other interests, courts consider these constitutional safeguards alongside Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which protect private life and personal data and prevail as EU law.

Cyprus Privacy Laws for Cameras in Apartments

In Cyprus, CCTV in apartment buildings is regulated by privacy laws that protect personal data. The main points are:

• Privacy Rights: CCTV should be limited to the owner’s property and must not capture public or neighbouring private areas or communal areas beyond the home’s boundary.
• GDPR Compliance: CCTV may be used only when its purpose cannot reasonably be met through a less intrusive option.
• Management Committee Responsibility: If the management committee installs CCTV, it is responsible for collecting, monitoring, processing, and controlling residents’ personal data.
• Installation Restrictions: CCTV must not be installed in corridors, toilets, elevators, lobbies, or indoor or outdoor areas of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
• Retention Period: Personal data should be retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose of the CCTV system.
• Signage Requirement: Clear signs must state that CCTV recording is taking place and identify the data controller and purpose.

Homeowners and management committees must follow these rules to comply with privacy law and protect residents’ rights in homes and apartment buildings.

PRIVACY LAWS AT PEYIA CROWN APARTMENTS

• Privacy Laws - Comply with the laws that apply to privately owned properties and communal areas.
• Individual owners - Owners may install cameras only where they overlook property they own.
• Only the Management Committee may install and monitor cameras covering communal areas, including gardens, where there is a proven need and owner agreement.

Owners - How this applies to our complex:

Apartments 201/202               

Can Install a Camera 

• Facing their own door
• On the roof terrace only
• Facing their own balcony

CANNOT Install a Camera

• Covering any part of the front garden or communal area
• Covering any part of the gardens below or other communal areas
• Audio recording is prohibited

Apartments 101/102  

Can Install a Camera

• Facing their own front door
• Facing their own veranda

CANNOT Install a Camera

• Overlooking any garden or communal area
• Covering the front stairwell or other communal areas
• Audio recording is prohibited       

Management Committee and Communal Areas

Can Install a Camera

• Must show a proven need for any camera covering communal areas including communal gardens and stairwells

CANNOT Install a Camera

• Any area without a proven need
• Any camera not approved by owners
• Any camera in or overlooking the pool area, including toilets
• Audio recording is prohibited