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Cyprus Advances In Digital Services But Lags In AI Adoption

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 23, 2026

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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Apple Sends Record Wave Of Spyware Alerts To Users Worldwide

by News Editor

August 18, 2026

New Wave Of Warnings Triggers Unusually High Demand For Help

An unusually large number of Apple users have reported receiving notifications warning that their devices may have been targeted by sophisticated spyware.

Apple recently sent alerts to customers in 110 countries, warning that they may have been targeted by “mercenary spyware”, a term the company uses for sophisticated surveillance malware often associated with government-linked attacks. Apple says it has notified users in more than 150 countries in recent years.

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The latest wave appears to be its largest yet, according to Access Now, a digital rights organisation that investigates spyware cases.

Investigators See Surge In Reports

Mohammed Al-Maskati, who leads Access Now’s spyware investigations, told TechCrunch that requests for help were 30% to 40% higher than usual following an Apple alert campaign. Cybersecurity firm iVerify also reported an influx of Apple threat notifications.

The warnings have drawn attention in Ukraine as well. A Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier told TechCrunch that he received an alert and later learned that other military personnel had received similar notifications.

John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at The Citizen Lab, said the scale and geographic spread of public reports were “pretty unprecedented”. He added that public posts likely represent only a fraction of the people who received warnings.

Apple Expands Its Warning System

The increase may partly reflect changes in how Apple delivers the alerts. The company now notifies users through their iPhone lock screen, Settings, email and Apple Account website.

Anyone receiving one of these warnings should take it seriously. Apple and security experts recommend enabling Lockdown Mode, which is designed to make iPhones, iPads and Macs harder to compromise.