Cyprus Advances In Digital Services But Lags In AI Adoption

Robust Digital Infrastructure And Evolving Public Services

Cyprus continues to improve its performance in digital public services, connectivity, and business digitalisation, according to the European Commission’s 2026 State of the Digital Decade report.

The country achieved full 5G coverage in 2024 and has extensive gigabit connectivity, including in rural areas. Around three-quarters of small and medium-sized enterprises have reached a basic level of digital intensity, while cloud computing and data analytics are becoming more widely used.

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Challenges In Artificial Intelligence And Digital Inclusion

Despite progress in several areas, the report points to a relatively low adoption of artificial intelligence among businesses. The European Commission also highlighted the need to ensure that digital public services remain accessible to all citizens. While Cyprus has introduced an AI-powered chatbot to support access to government services, further implementation efforts are still required.

Digital Skills Disparities And Health Information Trends

Eurostat data show that 70.1% of Cypriots aged 16 to 74 used online public services in 2025, slightly below the EU average. Differences in digital skills continue to be linked to factors such as age, education, and employment status. Online platforms are also increasingly used for health-related information. According to the data, 81% of Cypriots searched online for health information, while interest in physical and mental health topics was even higher.

Investments And The Road Ahead

Public investment continues to support Cyprus’ digital transition. The national Digital Decade roadmap includes 62 measures with a combined budget of almost €1 billion. Additional funding from recovery and cohesion programmes is also supporting digitalisation projects.

In its assessment, the European Commission noted that the effectiveness of digital services depends not only on the launch of new platforms but also on their accessibility and ease of use for citizens.

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Reddit Tests TikTok-Style Video And Audio For Popular Posts

by News Editor

August 18, 2026

Reddit is testing new ways to consume its most popular posts, including video and audio formats inspired by how Reddit stories are already shared on platforms such as TikTok and Meta’s Reels.

The experiment began Monday across selected communities. Reddit says the early test will help determine which formats users prefer and whether they can eventually be expanded more widely.

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From Reddit Threads To Narrated Videos

The idea was first discussed during Reddit’s second-quarter earnings call in July. CEO Steve Huffman noted that popular Reddit stories are already being turned into narrated videos on other platforms, often using text-to-speech or creators reading posts aloud alongside unrelated footage.

Reddit now wants to bring that experience directly to its own platform. Users participating in the test can choose whether to “read” or “play” eligible posts.

Audio could allow people to listen to Reddit while exercising, walking or doing other activities, while video could make written conversations more engaging.

Original Posts Will Remain

The initial test is limited to selected English-language posts and is available through Reddit’s iOS and Android apps. The original posts and their comments will remain available, meaning the new formats will complement rather than replace Reddit’s traditional experience.

The company is also evaluating whether these formats can be introduced without losing the character of Reddit’s text-based communities.

Reddit Has Tested Video Before

The latest experiment builds on Reddit’s earlier attempts to expand beyond text. The company introduced native video hosting in 2017 and later tested a TikTok-style video feed.

More recently, Reddit introduced video in comments, which the company says now accounts for more than 10% of video posts on the platform.

The new test is another step in Reddit’s effort to make its content more accessible in different formats while competing for attention in an increasingly video-focused social media market.

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