New EU Rules for Influencers: What Applies to Cyprus

A report by the European Audiovisual Observatory reveals an increasingly strict regulatory environment for influencers on social media.

Only France and Spain have a legally binding definition, but most states apply rules through soft-law guidelines and consumer protection laws.

In Cyprus, the term 'influencer' is not legally defined, but CARO has introduced a definition in the Influencer Marketing Guide.

Cypriot law allows influencers to be considered AVMS providers if the content has editorial responsibility, a fixed frequency, broad impact, and aims to inform, entertain, or educate.

The actual regulation is done through the CPS, based on the Consumer Protection Law 2021.

More accountability is expected in 2026, especially regarding the use of AI, deepfake labeling, political advertising, and the protection of minors.