Breaking news

Cyprus Real Estate Agents Association Presses For Legislative Reform In Real Estate Market

In a decisive call for modernizing regulatory frameworks, the Cyprus Real Estate Agents Association (Skek), under the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), has formally urged lawmakers to reevaluate long-standing real estate legislation.

Call For Immediate Legislative Review

The association has requested that the House internal affairs committee promptly examine and vote on a proposal aimed at reforming the Real Estate Agents Law of 2010. The proposal, already through full legislative technical processing, is designed to update the legal framework, restrain the excessive powers of the Real Estate Agents Registration Council, and mitigate abusive practices that have marred the industry.

Curbing Monopolistic Influence

Christos Nicolaou, President of Skek, articulated concerns over the unchecked influence of a monopolistic body. He argued that no single entity should wield the power to arbitrarily shape the entire sector’s future, underscoring the need for balanced oversight to ensure market vitality and fairness.

A Call For Professional Accountability

Nicolaou urged Parliament to heed the collective voice of professionals by enacting the proposed reforms before the conclusion of the current parliamentary term. This directive underscores a broader commitment to maintaining transparency, equal treatment under the law, and elevated standards of professionalism in real estate activities.

An Open Invitation For Dialogue

In its concluding remarks, Skek reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating ongoing dialogue with state authorities. Their objective remains clear: to promote a transparent, equitable, and competitive market environment that supports robust real estate practice in Cyprus.

Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Limits State Claims Over Children’s Data

Meta’s $18 billion settlement with attorneys general from 29 U.S. states includes a provision limiting future state claims over the company’s use of children’s data for age-assurance systems.

Under the agreement, Meta must develop, train and begin testing a system to identify users under 13 within a year of the settlement taking effect. The company already uses AI-based age-detection tools, although the agreement does not require the new system to use AI.

States Agree To Limits On Future Claims

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) generally restricts the collection and retention of personal data from children under 13. Under the settlement, the 29 state attorneys general agreed not to bring past, present or future claims under COPPA or similar state laws over the specified use of children’s data.

Meta will not be permitted to use information from users under 13 for advertising, marketing or algorithmic optimisation.

Federal Enforcement Remains Unclear

COPPA is primarily enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which is not a party to the agreement. That leaves open the possibility of separate federal action over how Meta collects or uses children’s data.

Another issue is whether Meta can keep age-assurance data isolated from its other systems. An independent auditor will monitor compliance, but the settlement does not fully specify what data Meta can retain for training, how long it can be stored or whether derived insights can be used elsewhere.

Legal Risks Remain

Joshua Wurtzel, a partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan, said states could still pursue claims if Meta uses the data outside the settlement’s limits. Such cases could depend on how those limits are interpreted.

Peter Jackson, a data and intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Glusker, said the provision could “disincentivize future enforcement actions.”

The agreement gives Meta greater legal certainty around using children’s data for age assurance, but questions remain over federal enforcement, data retention and secondary use.

Uol
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter