The Law Office has echoed concerns raised by the data protection commissioner over proposed legislation requiring dashboard cameras in vehicles, whilst receiving support from key government departments.
The bill, tabled by Green Party MP Stavros Papadouris, aims to help determine fault in traffic accidents through vehicle journey recordings. During today’s parliamentary transport committee meeting, a legal service representative termed the lack of regulatory framework “problematic”, stressing the need for legislation proportionate to its intended purpose.
The data protection commissioner’s office clarified that current Cypriot law requires prior consent from affected individuals—or their legal guardians for minors—before processing dashcam footage. They emphasised that dashboard cameras, if installed, must not continuously record traffic or bystanders, adding that public space surveillance systems are only permitted under specific conditions by public authorities.
Regarding international practices, the commissioner’s office noted that the regulatory landscape remains unclear, with individual EU member states free to establish their own national legislation. They pledged to support the development of appropriate legal framework once a comprehensive proposal is presented.
The police and the ministries of transport and justice have backed the initiative, provided data protection issues are addressed, suggesting dashcams could serve as a preventive measure. The transport ministry noted that many vehicles now come with factory-installed front and rear cameras.
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