A revised bill regulating the interception and recording of private telephone conversations is expected to go before the Cabinet on Friday for approval, before being submitted to Parliament for debate in the competent House committee.
Police and the Cyprus Intelligence Service are awaiting parliamentary approval in order to activate the provisions, which authorities describe as critical to tackling organised crime.
Justice Minister Costas Fytiris announced on Monday that the draft legislation has been finalised, describing it as one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement in combating serious criminal networks. Alongside the bill, the government will also promote a constitutional amendment to ensure that the proposed framework is fully aligned with constitutional safeguards.
A law that was never applied
The original legislation, titled the Protection of the Privacy of Private Communications Law, was passed in 2017 and entered into force in February 2020 following its publication in the Official Gazette. However, amid strong reservations raised by political parties and MPs, the law was never implemented.
Concerns centred primarily on the issuance of judicial warrants and the safeguards required before surveillance could be authorised, particularly in relation to the protection of private life.
Although the final version of the law included multiple safeguards aimed at preventing abuse, gaps were later identified in the legal framework. The new amending bill seeks to address those gaps and establish a procedure that is both lawful and constitutionally sound.
Judicial oversight remains central
The core philosophy of the legislation remains unchanged. Telephone interceptions will only be carried out on the basis of a court warrant and exclusively by authorised members of the Police and the Cyprus Intelligence Service.
Under the proposed framework, the Attorney General, following a written request from the Chief of Police or the head of the Intelligence Service, may apply for a judicial warrant if surveillance is deemed necessary in the interest of national security or for the prevention, investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences.
Each application must be accompanied by a sworn affidavit and a detailed report outlining the facts that justify the issuance of the warrant.
The report must include:
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The identity of the person concerned, where known
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The nature and location of the communication to be intercepted, where known
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The type of private communication targeted
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The method by which interception will be carried out
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The authority or individual responsible for the surveillance
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The duration of the authorisation, including whether interception will cease automatically once the specified communication has been obtained
Limited to specific serious offences
Interceptions will only be permitted in investigations involving specific serious offences, including premeditated murder, manslaughter, corruption, terrorism, espionage, human trafficking, drug trafficking, child pornography and money laundering.
Telecommunications providers have already designated specialised personnel who will implement the necessary technical and organisational safeguards to ensure both the protection of communication privacy and the confidentiality of any information accessed.
Authorities maintain that, once approved, the amended framework will provide law enforcement with a long-awaited legal tool while preserving judicial oversight and constitutional protections.