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Cyprus Set To Host FIBA EuroBasket 2025 In Limassol

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Cyprus Makes A Landmark Debut

Cyprus is poised to enter the international basketball arena as Limassol prepares to host the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 from August 28 to September 4. This historic event will take place at the state-of-the-art Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre, marking the island nation’s inaugural participation in the tournament and positioning it as a center for global sports excellence.

Economic And Tourism Boost

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, highlighted the event as a prime opportunity to enhance Cyprus’ profile as both a tourist destination and a premier venue for international competitions. With preparations underway to welcome a five-digit number of foreign visitors, the tournament promises to inject significant revenue into the local economy, with projected economic impacts estimated between €13–17 million. This influx of visitors will invigorate local businesses and demonstrate Cyprus’ commitment to leveraging sports tourism for long-term growth.

Global Audience And International Exposure

The tournament is set to capture the attention of a global audience, with broadcast coverage expected to reach, and potentially exceed, the 300 million viewers from EuroBasket 2022. In addition, a vibrant social media presence will further amplify the event’s impact. The participation of elite national teams and the debut appearance of the Cyprus national basketball team underscore the significance of this competition on both a European and international scale.

Robust Security And World-Class Preparations

Ensuring a safe and secure environment is paramount. Authorities have implemented advanced security measures including drones, sniffer dogs, and enhanced police presence. Comprehensive security drills at the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre have been conducted to fine-tune logistics, crowd management, and emergency response protocols, reaffirming Cyprus’ readiness to host a high-caliber sporting event.

Cultural Integration And International Partnerships

Beyond the game, the event is designed to celebrate Cypriot culture. A dedicated Fan Zone at the city’s Old Port will offer entertainment and live game screenings, while foreign journalists are invited to experience traditional Cypriot life with a guided tour of Lefkara, featuring local customs and culinary delights. This strategic blend of sport and culture is further bolstered by the support of esteemed sponsors such as Allianz, EKO, and the Bank of Cyprus, underscoring the event’s robust international partnerships.

A Turning Point For Cypriot Basketball

As the Cyprus Basketball Federation completes arena renovations ahead of schedule, the upcoming tournament is being hailed as a turning point that will firmly establish Cyprus on the international basketball map. With continued efforts by government officials and sports administrators, EuroBasket 2025 is set to deliver both prestigious exposure and tangible economic benefits, marking a new chapter for sports tourism and international engagement in Cyprus.

WhatsApp Introduces Parent-Supervised Accounts For Users Under 13

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Enhanced Security And Messaging Control

WhatsApp has introduced a new type of account designed for users under the age of 13, allowing parents to supervise messaging activity. The accounts are limited to messaging and voice calls and do not include advertising features, reflecting growing demand from families for safer communication tools for younger users.

Streamlined Verification And Parental Oversight

Creating a supervised account requires a parent or guardian to complete a dual-device verification process using a QR code. This procedure links the child’s device with the parent’s account, allowing guardians to monitor certain activities. Once the connection is established, parents can receive notifications when their child adds, blocks or reports contacts. The system is designed to provide oversight while still allowing children to communicate with approved contacts.

Restricted Features With Full Encryption

Several WhatsApp functions are restricted within supervised accounts. Access to Meta AI, Channels and Status updates is disabled, and disappearing messages are not available in individual chats. Despite these limitations, conversations remain protected with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages and calls remain private between participants.

Controlled Interactions And Transition Options

Additional safety tools help pre-teens manage interactions with unfamiliar contacts. Context cards provide details about messages received from unknown users, including shared groups and the country where the account originated. Users also have the option to silence incoming calls from numbers that are not saved in their contacts.

Chat requests and invitations to join group conversations require a six-digit parental PIN before they can be accepted. As children grow older, WhatsApp will inform them about the option to convert their supervised profile into a standard account. Parents can postpone this transition for up to 12 months if they wish to maintain supervision for a longer period.

A Broader Commitment To Digital Safety

WhatsApp’s initiative builds on Meta’s longstanding efforts to enhance the safety of young users across its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. With over 3 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp is reinforcing its commitment to a secure digital environment. This move also coincides with regulatory trends in countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, and the U.K., where steps are being taken to restrict social media access for younger users.

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