VAT Reduction On Electricity: What It Means For Cypriot Households

by News Editor

March 28, 2025

From April 1, a significant change is taking place for approximately 494,000 households in Cyprus—a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity from 19% to just 9%. This adjustment, announced by President Nikos Christodoulides, is set to stay in effect for a year, providing much-needed financial relief to many.

Government’s Intentions And Implications

This decision was formalized following an extensive review of the economic conditions in Cyprus. The reduction is expected to decrease the average household electricity bill by €20 every two months, totaling savings of around €120 annually. While the government anticipates a revenue dip of €40 million, the move is geared towards easing financial pressures on citizens amid broader economic trends.

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Impactful Savings And Broader Context

As Cypriot households adjust their budgets with this benefit, the measure exemplifies governmental efforts to align economic policies with constituent welfare. It mirrors broader European strategies to combat rising costs and ensure sustainability.

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WhatsApp Introduces Parent-Supervised Accounts For Users Under 13

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

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.

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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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