Privacy in Cyprus
CYPRIOTS are reluctant to disclose personal information and think it is being used without their knowledge despite being the most confident in feeling they have complete control of their online information, an EU barometer has shown.
Only 15 per cent of Cypriots don’t mind disclosing personal information for free services online, the lowest percentage in the EU-27 along with Bulgaria and Greece.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, 56 per cent of Italians said they were fine with disclosing personal data.
Cypriots above all others said they had full control over their online information (changing, deleting or correcting information) at 52 per cent, followed by 45 per cent of Maltese versus an EU average of 26 per cent.
But despite that feeling of control, Cypriots came out top when asked if they knew their information was being used without their knowledge with 72 per cent saying they did, followed by 62 per cent of Romanians on a EU average backdrop of 44 per cent.
Cypriots also came out top when it came to holding themselves responsible for the safe handling of their personal data at 68 per cent, with Ireland and Romania following at 65 per cent versus an EU average of 49 per cent.
Around seven in ten Cypriots usually read privacy agreements and 90 per cent of those change their behaviour after reading privacy statements, second only to the Maltese (91 per cent), well above the EU average of 70 per cent. The Brits on the other hand were the most likely ( 52 per cent) not to change their behaviour after reading the fine print, as well as being the least likely (47 per cent) to actually bother reading privacy terms. They were also second to last in thinking their online information was used without their knowledge (35 per cent).
Around 26,000 people in the EU, including 500 Cypriot residents were interviewed between November and December 2010, in what was the largest survey ever conducted on attitudes on data protection and electronic identity.
Courtesy Cyprus Mail
Will 2012 be good news for Cyprus Property
With the just announced Cyprus Government actions being accepted by the EU, the positive news about the reduction albeit only for 6 months in the transfer taxes and news that Ryanair is starting flights there from April 2012, will these positive benefits bring some good news about reinvesting in the Cyprus Property market again.
Currently property prices in Cyprus and especially Paphos are really good bargains, we have one property in Larnaca within walking distance to the beach fully furnished with a lovely pool and in a great location for the bargain price of €265,000 everything included. Just walk in for a holiday property or go and live there. See our web site for more information on that or go here, Pyla Property
Cyprus government action is having a positive impact with the EU
Other measures include raising VAT to 17% from 15% in March, freezing public sector salaries and benefits and levying a tax registered companies. The measures are aimed at bringing the deficit below the EU threshold of 3% down from a previously projected 6%.
The Cyprus Air Traffic Controllers’ Union, PASEEK, has announced to Work to Rule strikes which are to take place before the end of January. PASEEK is protesting its members inclusion in the austerity measures which the
Specifically they object to their overtime being reduced arguing that their income derives not from state coffers but from fees paid by airlines for use of state airspace. However, the government insists that, as state employees, they must not be exempt from austerity measures which are affecting all public sector workers.
The government action is having a positive impact with the EU recently approving the island’s programme.




