Cyprus Fines Influencers for Hidden Advertising

In the Republic of Cyprus, authorities have stepped up monitoring of bloggers and influencers who promote products and services without disclosing the commercial nature of their posts.

Since the beginning of 2025, the Consumer Protection Service, in collaboration with the Advertising Regulatory Body, has audited dozens of accounts and nearly 4,000 posts.

As a result:

• one fine has been issued;
• 20 warnings have been sent to influencers.

The audits target cases where paid advertising is presented as personal experience or a "spontaneous recommendation," which can be considered a misleading commercial practice.

The first phase of the audit targeted the most recognizable accounts, resulting in 14 warnings and one fine. The second phase focused on bloggers with a broad audience among youth aged 18–25, leading to six additional warnings.

This oversight is being conducted as part of the European Commission's new consumer protection agenda.

Investigations are ongoing.